SQUALL LINE
– A line of thunderstorms or squalls extending over several hundred miles.
STABLE AIR
– air with little or no tendency to rise, that is usually accompanied by clear dry weather.
STACKED
– A pressure system which shows up in the same general location on every height analysis or forecast chart. This is an indication low pressure is weakening (filling) or a pressure system is stalling.
STATIONARY FRONT
– A transition zone between airmasses, with neither advancing upon the other.
STRAIGHT LINE WINDS
– Damaging thunderstorm winds produced as air rushes downward from a thunderstorm. Often called gust fronts, downburst, or microburst winds these winds originate from thunderstorm downdrafts and may produce damage similar to that of a tornado.
STRATOSPHERE
– The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, where temperature increases with height.
STRATUS
– Flat low level clouds.
SUBSIDENCE
– Sinking air that is associated with warming air and little cloud formation.