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Article Type:
Research Article

Parameterized Updraft Mass Flux as a Predictor of Convective Intensity

John S. Kain1, Michael E. Baldwin2, and Steven J. Weiss3
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  • 1 Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, University of Oklahoma–NOAA Research, and National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, Oklahoma
  • | 2 Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, University of Oklahoma–NOAA Research, National Severe Storms Laboratory, and NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, Norman, Oklahoma
  • | 3 NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, Norman, Oklahoma
Print Publication:
01 Feb 2003
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0434(2003)018<0106:PUMFAA>2.0.CO;2
Page(s):
106–116
Restricted access

Abstract

Parameterized updraft mass flux, available as a unique predictive field from the Kain–Fritsch (KF) convective parameterization, is presented as a potentially valuable predictor of convective intensity. The KF scheme is described in some detail, focusing on a version that is currently being run semioperationally in an experimental version of the Eta Model. It is shown that updraft mass flux computed by this scheme is a function of the specific algorithm that it utilizes and is very sensitive to the thermodynamic characteristics of input soundings. These same characteristics appear to be related to the severity of convection, suggesting that updraft mass flux predicted by the KF scheme has value for predicting severe weather. This argument is supported by anecdotal evidence and a case study.

Corresponding author address: Dr. John S. Kain, NSSL, 1313 Halley Circle, Norman, OK 73069. Email: kain@nssl.noaa.gov

Abstract

Parameterized updraft mass flux, available as a unique predictive field from the Kain–Fritsch (KF) convective parameterization, is presented as a potentially valuable predictor of convective intensity. The KF scheme is described in some detail, focusing on a version that is currently being run semioperationally in an experimental version of the Eta Model. It is shown that updraft mass flux computed by this scheme is a function of the specific algorithm that it utilizes and is very sensitive to the thermodynamic characteristics of input soundings. These same characteristics appear to be related to the severity of convection, suggesting that updraft mass flux predicted by the KF scheme has value for predicting severe weather. This argument is supported by anecdotal evidence and a case study.

Corresponding author address: Dr. John S. Kain, NSSL, 1313 Halley Circle, Norman, OK 73069. Email: kain@nssl.noaa.gov

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