Lifted Index

The Lifted Index (LI) is defined as a rising parcel's temperature when it reaches the 500 millibars level (at about 5,500m or 18,000 feet asl), subtracted from the actual temperature of the environmental air at 500 mbar. If the Lifted Index is a large negative number, then the parcel will be much warmer than its surroundings, and will continue to rise. Thunderstorms are fueled by strong rising air, thus the Lifted Index is a good measurement of the atmosphere's potential to produce severe thunderstorms.

The Lifted Index (LI)
RANGE IN K
COLOR
AMOUNT OF INSTABILITY
THUNDERSTORM PROBABILITY
more than 11
BLUE
Extremely stable conditions
Thunderstorms unlikely
8 to 11
LIGHT BLUE
Very stable conditions
Thunderstorms unlikely
4 to 7
GREEN
Stable conditions
Thunderstorms unlikely
0 to 3
LIGHT GREEN
Mostly stable conditions
Thunderstorm unlikely
-3 to -1
YELLOW
Slightly unstable
Thunderstorms possible
-5 to -4
ORANGE
Unstable
Thunderstorms probable
-7 to -6
RED
Highly unstable
Severe thunderstorms possible
less than -7
VIOLET
Extremely unstable
Violent thunderstorms, tornadoes possible