What rainfall level triggers a thunderstorm warning?

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A thunderstorm warning is issued when rainfall intensity exceeds 20mm per hour.

A thunderstorm warning is issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) when there are indications of thunderstorms accompanied by a rainfall intensity exceeding 20 millimetres per hour. These conditions are anticipated to persist for over an hour.
Rainfall Intensity Threshold

MetMalaysia defines the criteria for issuing a thunderstorm warning based on specific rainfall measurements. The trigger point is set at a rainfall intensity surpassing 20 millimetres within a one-hour period. This threshold signifies a level of precipitation that warrants immediate public notification due to potential associated hazards.
Duration of Expected Conditions

Beyond the intensity of the rainfall, the duration for which these conditions are expected to continue is also a critical factor. A thunderstorm warning is issued if the heavy rain and thunderstorms are either currently occurring or are forecast to occur for a period exceeding one hour. This ensures that the warning reflects a sustained weather event rather than a brief shower.
Nature of Thunderstorm Alerts

It is important to note that thunderstorm alerts are categorised as short-term warnings. Each issuance of a thunderstorm warning typically has a validity period of no more than six hours. This temporal limitation underscores the dynamic and rapidly changing nature of thunderstorms, necessitating frequent updates and re-issuance of alerts as conditions evolve.

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What rainfall level triggers a thunderstorm warning?

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