Lifted Index

The Lifted Index (LI) is a measure used by meteorologists to assess the likelihood of thunderstorms and severe weather. It compares the temperature of a parcel of air lifted from the ground to its altitude with the actual temperature at that altitude. If the parcel is warmer than the surrounding air, it tends to rise, indicating potential instability and the possibility of storms. A negative LI suggests a higher chance of thunderstorms, while a positive LI indicates more stable weather. In essence, it helps visualize how likely the atmosphere is to support cloud development and severe weather events.