Lifted index

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-001547",
  "term": "Lifted index",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A measure of atmospheric stability and potential for thunderstorm development, calculated by comparing the temperature of a parcel of air lifted adiabatically from the surface to the temperature of the surrounding environment at 500 hPa. A negative value indicates instability and a higher probability of convective storms. It is widely used in severe weather forecasting.",
    "(abbrev. LI)- A common measure of atmospheric instability. Its value is obtained by computing the temperature that air near the ground would have if it were lifted to some higher level (around 18,000 feet, usually) and comparing that temperature to the actual temperature at that level. Negative values indicate instability - the more negative, the more unstable the air is, and the stronger the updrafts are likely to be with any developing thunderstorms. However there are no \"magic numbers\" or threshold LI values below which severe weather becomes imminent."
  ],
  "abbreviation": "LI",
  "see_also": [
    "stability index"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/lifted-index/"
}