What is the Difference Between Thunderstorm and Thundershower?

Both thunderstorms and thundershowers involve thunder and lightning, but they are different in duration and intensity.

• Thunderstorm: General term for a strong weather event with thunder, lightning, rain, wind, and sometimes hail. Thunderstorms can last long, cover large areas, and often associate with large weather systems.
• Thundershower: Short, localized rain showers with thunder and lightning—usually brief and not as intense as full thunderstorms.

In short, all thundershowers are thunderstorms, but not all thunderstorms are just thundershowers.