Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes are three examples of weather that can be dangerous to society. Such severe weather patterns require an understanding of the mechanisms responsible for their development, as well as timely observational and forecasting techniques so that the public can be made aware of their presence and take precautionary actions.

This Reading provides background information on the underlying concepts in the Activities included in the Project Earth Science: Meteorology, Revised 2nd Edition. The Reading goes beyond what is found in the background information in the activities. The Reading can be used as supplementary information for the teacher, or to enhance classroom discussions.