In my opinion, there is nothing in nature more awe-inspiring than a massive thunderstorm. Both beautiful and terrifying, these atmospheric monsters are best appreciated on the Great Plains, where views are expansive.
We are fortunate to own property on the west wall of the South Platte Valley, in Littleton, Colorado, which is a great spot for storm watching. Forming above the Continental Divide, the storms drift eastward, growing in size and power as they pull in hot air from the surrounding Plains. Mushrooming to 50,000 feet, their upper layers reflect the setting sun and can be seen from distances of 100 miles or more. From the safety of our farm, we watch the thunderstorms expand and merge, producing a spectacular light show as dusk shrouds the Front Range.
Most common in Colorado from May through September, thunderstorms have been especially abundant this year, dropping far more rain than has been typical; indeed, we expect more storms today and tomorrow. As I have discussed in the past, global warming may both intensify and expand the Southwest Monsoon in this region, though it will take years of data to clarify that issue.
