A composite study of Florida thunderstorms, using radar, cloud-to-ground lightning, and surface windsTwo thunderstorms occurring in Florida during the summer of 1987 are studied in order to determine the location of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning in terms of surface winds and radar reflectivity. Composites of radar, CG lightning locations, and surface winds during the development, mature, and dissipation stages of the storms are presented and analyzed. The relationship between lightning and radar reflectivity is examined. It is noted that the main CG lightning activity region is on the upshear side of the storm in the reflectivity gradient where upward motion is between the convergent gust front and reflectivity center, and lightning avoids areas of maximum reflectivity.
Document ID
19900041550
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Watson, Andrew I. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Boulder, CO, United States)
Lopez, Raul E. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Boulder, CO, United States)
Daugherty, John R. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Boulder, CO, United States)
Ortiz, Robert (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Boulder, CO, United States)
Holle, Ronald L. (NOAA, Mesoscale Research Div., Boulder CO, United States)