Editorial Type:
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Article Type:
Research Article

Radar Signatures Associated with Quasi-Linear Convective System Mesovortices

Charles M. Kuster aNOAA/OAR National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, Oklahoma

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8086-3169
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Keith D. Sherburn dNOAA/National Weather Service, Rapid City, South Dakota

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Vivek N. Mahale eNOAA/National Weather Service, Norman, Oklahoma

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Terry J. Schuur aNOAA/OAR National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, Oklahoma
bCooperative Institute for Severe and High Impact Weather Research and Operations, Norman, Oklahoma
cSchool of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

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Olivia F. McCauley fIowa State University, Ames, Iowa

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Jason S. Schaumann gNOAA/National Weather Service, Springfield, Missouri

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Online Publication:
06 Aug 2024
Print Publication:
01 Aug 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/WAF-D-23-0144.1
Page(s):
1143–1161
Restricted access

Abstract

Recent operationally driven research has generated a framework, known as the three ingredients method and mesovortex warning system, that can help forecasters anticipate mesovortex development and issue warnings within quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs). However, dual-polarization radar data has not yet been incorporated into this framework. Therefore, several dual- and single-polarization radar signatures associated with QLCS mesovortices were analyzed to determine if they could provide additional information about mesovortex development and intensity. An analysis of 167 mesovortices showed that 1) KDP drops precede ∼95% of mesovortices and provide an initial indication of where a mesovortex may develop; 2) midlevel KDP cores are a potentially useful precursor signature because they precede a majority of mesovortices and have higher magnitudes for mesovortices that produce wind damage or tornadoes; 3) low-level KDP cores and areas of enhanced spectrum width have higher magnitudes for mesovortices that produce wind damage or tornadoes but tend to develop at about the same time as the mesovortex, which makes them more useful as diagnostic than as predictive signatures; and 4) as range from the radar increases, the radar signatures become less useful in anticipating mesovortex intensity but can still be used to anticipate mesovortex development or build confidence in mesovortex existence.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to look at weather radar features that might help forecasters predict the development and intensity of tornadoes and strong winds within linear thunderstorm systems. Our results show that the intensity and trends of some radar features are helpful in showing when these hazards might develop and how strong they might be, while other radar features are less helpful. This information can help forecasters focus on the most useful radar features and ultimately provide the best possible warnings.

© 2024 American Meteorological Society. This published article is licensed under the terms of the default AMS reuse license. For information regarding reuse of this content and general copyright information, consult the AMS Copyright Policy (www.ametsoc.org/PUBSReuseLicenses).

Corresponding author: Charles M. Kuster, charles.kuster@noaa.gov

Abstract

Recent operationally driven research has generated a framework, known as the three ingredients method and mesovortex warning system, that can help forecasters anticipate mesovortex development and issue warnings within quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs). However, dual-polarization radar data has not yet been incorporated into this framework. Therefore, several dual- and single-polarization radar signatures associated with QLCS mesovortices were analyzed to determine if they could provide additional information about mesovortex development and intensity. An analysis of 167 mesovortices showed that 1) KDP drops precede ∼95% of mesovortices and provide an initial indication of where a mesovortex may develop; 2) midlevel KDP cores are a potentially useful precursor signature because they precede a majority of mesovortices and have higher magnitudes for mesovortices that produce wind damage or tornadoes; 3) low-level KDP cores and areas of enhanced spectrum width have higher magnitudes for mesovortices that produce wind damage or tornadoes but tend to develop at about the same time as the mesovortex, which makes them more useful as diagnostic than as predictive signatures; and 4) as range from the radar increases, the radar signatures become less useful in anticipating mesovortex intensity but can still be used to anticipate mesovortex development or build confidence in mesovortex existence.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to look at weather radar features that might help forecasters predict the development and intensity of tornadoes and strong winds within linear thunderstorm systems. Our results show that the intensity and trends of some radar features are helpful in showing when these hazards might develop and how strong they might be, while other radar features are less helpful. This information can help forecasters focus on the most useful radar features and ultimately provide the best possible warnings.

© 2024 American Meteorological Society. This published article is licensed under the terms of the default AMS reuse license. For information regarding reuse of this content and general copyright information, consult the AMS Copyright Policy (www.ametsoc.org/PUBSReuseLicenses).

Corresponding author: Charles M. Kuster, charles.kuster@noaa.gov

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