Editorial Type:
Forecasters' Forum (WAF only)
Article Type:
Research Article

Supercells in Environments with Atypical Hodographs

David O. Blanchard NOAA/National Weather Service, Flagstaff, Arizona

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Print Publication:
01 Dec 2011
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/WAF-D-11-00012.1
Page(s):
1075–1083
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Abstract

An unusual severe weather event with supercell thunderstorms developed across portions of northern Arizona in the midst of the warm-season North American monsoon—a regime characteristically dominated by a subtropical upper-level high over the southwestern United States. The approach of a midlatitude, cold-core, upper-level low brought an environment of enhanced shear and increased instability supportive of supercells. This atypical system is described and how a correct interpretation of the winds and hodograph would allow a forecaster to maintain situational awareness is discussed.

Corresponding author address: David O. Blanchard, NOAA/National Weather Service, P.O. Box 16057, Bellemont, AZ 86015. E-mail: david.o.blanchard@noaa.gov

Abstract

An unusual severe weather event with supercell thunderstorms developed across portions of northern Arizona in the midst of the warm-season North American monsoon—a regime characteristically dominated by a subtropical upper-level high over the southwestern United States. The approach of a midlatitude, cold-core, upper-level low brought an environment of enhanced shear and increased instability supportive of supercells. This atypical system is described and how a correct interpretation of the winds and hodograph would allow a forecaster to maintain situational awareness is discussed.

Corresponding author address: David O. Blanchard, NOAA/National Weather Service, P.O. Box 16057, Bellemont, AZ 86015. E-mail: david.o.blanchard@noaa.gov
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