With our global climate in a state of flux, the primary circulations in the lower atmosphere are changing in unexpected ways. The tropical and sub-tropical zones are slowly expanding towards the poles. At shorter timescales, the polar vortices can be weakened and frigid air drawn down to the temperate regions. Both of these large-scale phenomena facilitate the sudden mixing of hot and cold air-masses and raise the frequency and intensity of thunderstorms, as well as seed other extreme events such as tornados. While these storms may be appreciated for their electrical beauty, the destructive quality of the powerful winds and potential encroachment of the sea need to be respected.