When the ingredients of moisture, an unstable atmosphere and a lifting mechanism combine, thunderstorms often form, but sometimes, several cells can join forces and turn into what is known as a mesoscale convective system, or what is often called an MCS.

Unlike a traditional thunderstorm that lasts for minutes or even an hour, once an MCS forms, it can take on a life of its own and last for several hours, spanning hundreds of miles of terrain.

The formation of an MCS usually happens during the warmer months when nighttime temperatures are sufficient to aid in thunderstorm development, without relying solely on daytime heating.

Once an MCS forms, it can essentially take on a life of its own, generating weather features that help it maintain strength and structure well after initial devel

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