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An Air-mass thunderstorm, also called an ordinary[1] or garden variety[2] thunderstorm, is a thunderstorm that is generally weak and usually not severe. These storms form in environments with low Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) values, low wind shear, and low helicity values. The lifting source, which is a crucial factor in thunderstorm development, is usually the result of uneven heating of the surface when it comes to air-mass thunderstorms. This is opposed to a lifting source being a cold front, a strong upper level jet streak, or a strong low level convergence boundary which is usually the case with other types of stronger storms. The energy needed for these storms to form comes in the form of insolation, or solar radiation. Air-mass thunderstorms do not move quickly, last no longer than an hour, and have the threats of lightning, moderate light or heavy rainfall. On unusual occasions there could a weak downburst, and small hail (There could be 3/4 inch diameter (severe) hail in very rare cases). They are common in a maritime tropical air mass, around the gulf coast states, during the summer, and in the afternoon.
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