Abstract
Precipitation particle measurements from the upper levels of cumulus congestus clouds are analyzed with regard to general cloud characteristics, liquid water content, and precipitation water content as related to the theoretical radar reflectivity. Conclusions are: (1) the majority of the cumulus congestus clouds examined, whose tops exceed 14,000 ft, contained precipitation particles (250-microns diameter) in the upper levels sometime during their life cycle, (2) particle concentrations in excess of 1000 per m3 were found in about 20 per cent of the clouds examined, (3) the relationship Z=1.6×10−2M1.46 for radar reflectivity is applicable for cumulus congestus in the early stages of precipitation development.
