Warmer oceans would fuel more thunderstorms

Satellite data reveal more thunderheads forming as tropical sea-surface temperatures rise

SAN FRANCISCO — Inhabitants of the tropics can expect to see more severe storms if sea-surface temperatures in the region continue to rise as Earth’s climate changes.

The growth of “thunderheads” — the massive and extremely tall clouds that generate the most severe thunderstorms — is driven by the rise of warm, moist air.