METEOROLOGIST JEFF HABY
A squall line is a line of thunderstorms that have a common lifting mechanism. Lifting mechanisms tend to occur
in bands. Examples of banded lifting mechanisms include fronts, large
outflow boundaries,
gravity waves, and
isentropic lifting associated with CSI. The classic squall line will develop out ahead of and parallel to a
cold front or
dry line boundary. The storms first develop where there is the best combination of
moisture,
instability
and lift. The storms will continue to evolve and new cells will develop (commonly toward the south and east). The
squall line will sustain itself by producing its own lift due to outflow boundaries. As long as instability and
moisture remain present out ahead of the squall line, the squall line will continue to propagate. The image below
shows a mean looking squall line.
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