The convective temperature (CT or Tc) is the approximate temperature that air near the surface must reach for cloud formation without mechanical lift. In such case, cloud base begins at the convective condensation level (CCL), whilst with mechanical lifting (such as from low-pressure areas located in the lower troposphere, frontal systems, surface boundaries, gravity waves, and convergence zones), condensation begins at the lifted condensation level (LCL). Convective temperature is important to forecasting thunderstorm development.
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Last revised Jul 15, 2026
Convective temperature
The convective temperature is the approximate temperature that air near the surface must reach for cloud formation without mechanical lift. In such case, cloud base begins at the convective condensation level (CCL), whilst with mechanical lifting, condensation begins at the lifted condensation level (LCL). Convective temperature is important to forecasting thunderstorm development.