There are six types of typical severe weather set-ups that meteorologists monitor. Some are specific to certain regions, like the Rockies or the southern Plains.

• Classic pattern for Supercell storms, large hail, and tornadoes
• Common during outbreaks from the Midwest to the southern plains.
• Very high instability usually with a "cap" in place that keeps storms from developing too soon. Allows unstable air to "build up".
• Typically triggered by cold front or other types of "lift" like outflow boundaries from other storms
• Need shear, or change in wind direction and speed with height. This causes the storm rotation and tilted updraft which lets storms last longer.

• Good for Supercell storms, large hail, and tornadoes
• Common in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas
• Very high instability usually with a "cap" in place that keeps storms from developing too soon. Allows unstable air to "build up"
• Triggered by dryline (separates moist air from very dry air).
• Need shear, or change in wind direction and speed with height. This causes the storm rotation and tilted updraft which lets storms last longer.

• Occurs in the southern and central Rockies.
• Causes microbursts and potential wildfire starters.
• Air toward the surface is very dry, but hot weather can trigger storms.
• Dry air causes strong downdrafts and hail.

• Occurs usually in the north (Midwest, plains, Great Lakes, northeast).
• Usually high wind producers.
• Fast moving pattern with changes in wind speed with height.
• Upper-level jetstream helps trigger storms.

• Biggest cause of hail and isolated tornadoes in California severe storms.
• Usually hail producers, only isolated tornadoes.
• More common in winter and spring.
• Cold air above and warm air below leads to unstable airmass.

• Causes of major hail damage in Colorado every year.
• Occur commonly in summer and fall along the Rockies from Wyoming to Colorado to New Mexico.
• Typically produce large hail and tornadoes.