Conditional instability

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-004579",
  "term": "Conditional instability",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "An atmospheric state where a parcel of air is stable if unsaturated but becomes unstable if lifted to saturation. This means that if the parcel is forced to rise and cools to its dew point, releasing latent heat, it can become warmer than its surroundings and continue to rise buoyantly. Conditional instability is a prerequisite for the development of most thunderstorms and deep convective clouds.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/conditional-instability/"
}