Level of free convection

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-001538",
  "term": "Level of free convection",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "The altitude in the atmosphere where a parcel of air, lifted dry adiabatically to saturation and then moist adiabatically, becomes warmer than its surroundings. At this level, the parcel becomes positively buoyant and will continue to rise freely without external forcing. It is a key indicator for the potential development of thunderstorms.",
    "(LFC) - The level at which a parcel of saturated air becomes warmer than the surrounding air and begins to rise freely. This occurs most readily in a conditionally unstable atmosphere."
  ],
  "abbreviation": "LFC",
  "see_also": [
    "conditional instability",
    "convective condensation level",
    "level of free sink"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/level-of-free-convection/"
}