Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Comparison between Low-Flash and Non-Lightning-Producing Convective Areas within a Mature Mesoscale Convective System

Jennifer L. Palucki National Weather Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

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Michael I. Biggerstaff University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

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Donald R. MacGorman NOAA/OAR/National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, Oklahoma

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Terry Schuur NOAA/OAR/National Severe Storms Laboratory, and Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

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Print Publication:
01 Aug 2011
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/WAF-D-10-05012.1
Page(s):
468–486
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Abstract

Two small multicellular convective areas within a larger mesoscale convective system that occurred on 20 June 2004 were examined to assess vertical motion, radar reflectivity, and dual-polarimetric signatures between flash and non-flash-producing convection. Both of the convective areas had similar life cycles and general structures. Yet, one case produced two flashes, one of which may have been a cloud-to-ground flash, while the other convective area produced no flashes. The non-lightning-producing case had a higher peak reflectivity up to 6 km. Hence, if a reflectivity-based threshold were used as a precursor to lightning, it would have yielded misleading results. The peak upward motion in the mixed-phase region for both cases was 8 m s−1 or less. However, the lightning-producing storm contained a wider region where the updraft exceeded 5 m s−1. Consistent with the broader updraft region, the lightning-producing case exhibited a distinct graupel signature over a broader region than the non-lightning-producing convection. Slight differences in vertical velocity affected the quantity of graupel present in the mixed-phase region, thereby providing the subtle differences in polarimetric signatures that were associated with lightning activity. If the results here are generally applicable, then graupel volume may be a better precursor to a lightning flash than radar reflectivity. With the dual-polarimetric upgrade to the national observing radar network, it should be possible to better distinguish between lightning- and non-lightning-producing areas in weak convective systems that pose a potential safety hazard to the public.

Corresponding author address: Michael Biggerstaff, National Weather Center, 120 David L. Boren Blvd., Norman, OK 73072. E-mail: drdoppler@ou.edu

Abstract

Two small multicellular convective areas within a larger mesoscale convective system that occurred on 20 June 2004 were examined to assess vertical motion, radar reflectivity, and dual-polarimetric signatures between flash and non-flash-producing convection. Both of the convective areas had similar life cycles and general structures. Yet, one case produced two flashes, one of which may have been a cloud-to-ground flash, while the other convective area produced no flashes. The non-lightning-producing case had a higher peak reflectivity up to 6 km. Hence, if a reflectivity-based threshold were used as a precursor to lightning, it would have yielded misleading results. The peak upward motion in the mixed-phase region for both cases was 8 m s−1 or less. However, the lightning-producing storm contained a wider region where the updraft exceeded 5 m s−1. Consistent with the broader updraft region, the lightning-producing case exhibited a distinct graupel signature over a broader region than the non-lightning-producing convection. Slight differences in vertical velocity affected the quantity of graupel present in the mixed-phase region, thereby providing the subtle differences in polarimetric signatures that were associated with lightning activity. If the results here are generally applicable, then graupel volume may be a better precursor to a lightning flash than radar reflectivity. With the dual-polarimetric upgrade to the national observing radar network, it should be possible to better distinguish between lightning- and non-lightning-producing areas in weak convective systems that pose a potential safety hazard to the public.

Corresponding author address: Michael Biggerstaff, National Weather Center, 120 David L. Boren Blvd., Norman, OK 73072. E-mail: drdoppler@ou.edu
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