What is often a precursor to thunderstorms?

A common precursor to thunderstorms is strong sunshine coupled with high humidity. This scenario allows for the heating of the Earth's surface, which can enhance the instability of the atmosphere. As the ground warms up, it can heat the air directly above it, causing that air to rise. When humid air rises, it can cool and condense, leading to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, which are essential for thunderstorms.

Cold fronts can also be associated with thunderstorms, as they often cause lifting of warm, moist air, but strong sunshine and high humidity are foundational elements that contribute to thunderstorm development. High pressure systems generally lead to more stable, calm weather, while low surface temperatures do not provide the necessary conditions for thunderstorms to develop, as they typically result in less buoyant air.