Äikesepilv

Äikesepilv, known scientifically as Cumulonimbus, is a dense, towering vertical cloud associated with thunderstorms and atmospheric instability. These clouds form when warm, moist air rises rapidly, cools, and condenses. The extensive vertical development is a hallmark of äikesepilv, with cloud tops often reaching altitudes of 10-15 kilometers, sometimes even higher into the stratosphere.

The characteristic anvil shape, or "incus," at the top of a mature äikesepilv is formed when the rising air current hits the tropopause, the boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere, and spreads out horizontally. The interior of an äikesepilv is a turbulent environment, characterized by strong updrafts and downdrafts. These powerful air currents can lift water droplets and ice crystals to great heights, leading to the formation of large hailstones.

Äikesepilved are responsible for a wide range of severe weather phenomena, including heavy rainfall, lightning, thunder, hail, and strong winds. The electrical discharges within the cloud create lightning, which is accompanied by thunder. The intense convection and precipitation can also lead to flash floods and damaging straight-line winds. Due to their immense size and powerful updrafts, äikesepilved are a significant hazard to aviation.