What atmospheric condition is essential for forming thunderstorms?

Moist air is essential for forming thunderstorms because it serves as the primary source of energy for these storms. When moist air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and releasing latent heat in the process. This release of heat warms the surrounding air, causing it to rise further, which can lead to the development of towering cumulonimbus clouds characteristic of thunderstorms.

Stable air, on the other hand, inhibits rising air currents, making it difficult for thunderstorms to develop. Clear skies indicate a lack of significant weather activity, and high pressure systems typically result in stable atmospheric conditions with limited moisture, further reducing the potential for thunderstorm formation. Thus, the presence of moist air is the critical factor that enables the energy and dynamics necessary for thunderstorms to form and intensify.