Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) is a measure of the instability of the atmosphere and defines the vertically integrated positive buoyancy of a rising parcel. It is a good indicator of general instability, and convection tends to be more vigorous with higher values.
CAPE < 300: | Stable. |
CAPE 300 to 1000: | Marginally unstable. |
CAPE 1000 to 2500: | Moderately unstable. |
CAPE 2500 to 3000: | Very unstable. |
CAPE 3000 to 5000: | Extremely unstable. |
CAPE > 5000: | Whoa Nelly! |
Lifted Index (LI) | K-Index | CIN | Showalter Index | SWEAT | Total Totals |