A multiparameter radar case study of the microphysical and kinematic evolution of a lightning producing storm

Abstract

We examine the co-evolving microphysical, kinematic, and electrical characteristics of a multi-cell thunderstorm observed on 21 May 1993 along the Front Range of Colorado using data collected with the 11 cm, multiparameter, CSU-CHILL Doppler radar. The measured polarimetric variables provide information on the size, shape, orientation, and thermodynamic phase of hydrometeors. Recent modeling and observational advances in weather radar polarimetry now permit the inference of bulk-hydrometeor types and mixing ratios, and the measurement of precipitation rate in mixed-phase (i.e., hail and rain) environments. We have employed these and other radar techniques, such as dual-Doppler analyses, to investigate the correlation between the convective life cycle of a multi-cell storm and the evolution of lightning type and flash rate.