Temporale

Temporale is a term used in Italian to denote a thunderstorm, a meteorological event characterized by convective activity that produces heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. As an adjective, temporale relates to time (temporal) and appears in phrases such as dimensione temporale or riferimento temporale; it can also describe temporary conditions in some contexts.

Etymology

The word derives from Latin temporālis, from tempus meaning time. The root reflects the association of the phenomenon with specific, often short-lived, periods of weather.

Meteorology

A temporale forms when warm, moist air rises rapidly due to convection, causing the development of cumulonimbus clouds. They can appear as isolated cells, multi-cell clusters, or organized lines (squall lines). Typical features include brief but intense rainfall, thunder and lightning, gusty winds, and sometimes hail. Durations range from a few minutes to about an hour, with severe variants capable of stronger winds, downbursts, large hail, or localized flooding. Seasonal patterns vary by region, with many temporali occurring in warmer months, especially in the afternoon or early evening.

Regional usage

In Italian-speaking areas, temporali are common in plains and mountainous zones, notably during summer. Weather forecasts may differentiate between temporale isolato (isolated thunderstorm) and temporali in arrivo (thunderstorms approaching). Safety advisories emphasize seeking shelter, avoiding open areas and tall objects, and staying informed about changes in wind, rain intensity, and potential hail.

See also

Thunderstorm; Convective weather; Weather forecast; Temporal.