Characterization of rain microphysics on the leeside of the Western Ghats

Abstract

AbstractThis study evaluates the performance of four impact‐type disdrometers installed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, located on the leeside of the Western Ghats (WG). Further, seasonal variation of rain microphysical properties is studied during premonsoon (March–May), monsoon (June–September), postmonsoon (October–November), and winter (December–February). The four disdrometers exhibit comparable raindrop size distribution (DSD) patterns, though negligible differences are found at smaller drop diameters. The DSD shows higher concentrations of smaller (large‐size) drops during monsoon (premonsoon and postmonsoon). Principal component analysis revealed three distinct modes of DSD characteristics. Monsoon DSDs are associated with a group of numerous smaller drops allied with shallow storm heights (warm rain). The premonsoon and postmonsoon DSDs are clustered in a group where ice‐based processes dominate, resulting in higher median drop diameters (D0) and smaller normalized intercept parameters (Nw). The fitted gamma DSD model indicates higher mass‐weighted mean diameter (Dm) during premonsoon, and higher intercept parameter during monsoon, whereas postmonsoon and winter have intermediate values. DSD stratified with rain rate shows that the Dm values increase with an increase in rain rate during winter, monsoon and postmonsoon, whereas in premonsoon, Dm increases initially and then decreases. Higher Dm and lower Nw are observed during convective rain in all seasons. The fitted slope–shape parameter relationships show a considerable seasonal variation. The DSD on the WG's leeside is notably different from the windward slopes and other WG locations. Different microphysical and dynamical mechanisms lead to seasonal differences in DSD characteristics. In monsoon, a considerable volume of water vapour advected from the Arabian Sea promotes the formation of raindrops through collision–coalescence processes, which may result in a higher proportion of smaller and midsized raindrops. The deeper clouds during premonsoon and postmonsoon indicate mixed‐phase processes, which lead to mid and large‐sized raindrops.