Derechos: A different kind of thunderstorm

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – It’s been hot and humid all day…and lately, the nights have been unbearably warm.

You see thunderstorms on the radar in the upper Midwest…wouldn’t it be nice to get those storms here?

They’re too far away. Or are they?

Derechos are lines of severe storms that travel at least two hundred-fifty miles.

They usually break off from a cold front and start moving as if they are their own frontal system.

And they contain damaging winds…at least fifty-eight mile per hour winds to be exact.

But they also have gusts of at least 75 miles per hour or more at several different times before they dissipate.

And the hot weather aids in their development. As a matter of fact, derechos are known for developing mainly during the warm months. 

Nearly three quarters of them occur from May to August, although derechos can form any day of the year.

And, on average, South Central Kentucky sees a derecho every year or two. 

Something to think about the next time you see some far-away storms on the radar.