When traveling, where do you go to get the local weather? For me, it’s often the weather page of USA Today. Even if the city I’m in, or traveling to is not listed, I can still look at the maps and get some idea of what to expect.

Over the years, however, I’ve always been a little confused when their forecast called for thunderstorms. What’s the difference between isolated and scattered thunderstorms? Is there a difference? Well, according to the USA Today weather folks, there is.

So, in the interest of public disclosure and education, here’s what it means when USA Today forecasts thunderstorms:

• Isolated thunderstorms – <30% chance of storms
• Scattered thunderstorms – 30%-50% chance of storms
• Thunderstorms likely – >60% chance of storms
• Thunderstorms – >80% chance of storms

While these terms can be helpful, if you live in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, the only thing you need to know is whether or not I’m scheduled to fly through DFW that day. If it’s spring or summer and I’m connecting through DFW, then it’s a lock that there will be thunderstorms. Plan on it, I do!