Understanding "The Cap" in meteorology and its role in severe weather

Name: Understanding "The Cap" in meteorology and its role in severe weather
Uploaded: 2026-04-07T03:40:52Z
Duration: 54 s
Description: Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen explains "The Cap," an air layer that prevents thunderstorms from forming by being warmer than the air below it. He illustrates how the cap builds up energy, and if enough "upward momentum" can "punch through" this warm air, it leads to explosive thunderstorm development. Knowing when the cap will break is crucial for severe weather forecasting.

Fox Weather @ Night · FWX · Apr 7, 2026 · 54s

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Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen explains "The Cap," an air layer that prevents thunderstorms from forming by being warmer than the air below it. He illustrates how the cap builds up energy, and if enough "upward momentum" can "punch through" this warm air, it leads to explosive thunderstorm development. Knowing when the cap will break is crucial for severe weather forecasting.