What is an MCS?

news image
Special Stories
8 Jun 2025 8:00 AM

MCS - A common summertime storm phenomenon, but what is it? MCS stands for Mesoscale Convective System, a term used to describe an organized cluster of thunderstorms that lasts for several hours and can span multiple states.

During the summer, MCSs often form overnight as individual afternoon thunderstorms merge into larger storm complexes. These systems are commonly linear in structure, forming squall lines that stretch for miles. The primary threats associated with MCSs include damaging winds and torrential rainfall, though hail and even tornadoes can also occur.

There are different types of MCSs:

  • MCC (Mesoscale Convective Complex): A large, circular, and long-lived cluster of storms.

  • Mesoscale Convective Vortex: A rarer form that can resemble a small hurricane.

  • Derecho: An especially destructive wind-driven MCS capable of causing widespread damage across hundreds of miles.

Understanding the risks associated with these systems is key. Always have multiple ways to receive weather alerts—especially at night, when many MCS events tend to occur.

All Weather News
More
Florida Rainfall: Nuisance or Beneficial?

Florida Rainfall: Nuisance or Beneficial?

The dry time has been a little hard to enjoy

18 Sep 2025 5:00 PM
More Activity Churning in the Eastern Pacific

More Activity Churning in the Eastern Pacific

Out in the Eastern Pacific, a broad area of l

18 Sep 2025 2:47 PM
Mario Sends Tropical Moisture to California, Flooding Possible

Mario Sends Tropical Moisture to California, Flooding Possible

While the Atlantic has been relatively quiet

18 Sep 2025 11:00 AM
Gabrielle Churns in the Atlantic, Another Tropical Wave Emerges

Gabrielle Churns in the Atlantic, Another Tropical Wave Emerges

We are now a week after the climatological pe

18 Sep 2025 10:50 AM
Storms Slide Down the Plains

Storms Slide Down the Plains

CENTRAL U.S - A trough that came in from the

18 Sep 2025 10:20 AM
Fall Color Starting To Show in Parts of the Lower 48

Fall Color Starting To Show in Parts of the Lower 48

Grab the pumpkin spice and apple cider donuts

18 Sep 2025 9:15 AM
Northern Lights Close Out the Weekend For Many

Northern Lights Close Out the Weekend For Many

Did you see them? Many might have had better

15 Sep 2025 10:30 PM