Maximum total rainfall and intensity by using Hershfield isohyet maps and Weiss equation

Abstract

The southern region of the USA does not show a regular or uniform pattern of rainfall. Accurate information on total rainfall and rainfall intensity is necessary for calculating the amount of rainfall needed for crop water use, storage and for designing flood control and water conveyance structures. Models developed based on weather data can help forecast potential total rainfall, supplemental irrigation, water storage, and water losses. Total rainfall and intensity were calculated by linearising method based on isohyet maps developed by Hershfield, and by using the Weiss equation. The calculated values of the maximum total rainfall and intensity were 50.80 and 119.38 mm and 101.60 and 19.90 mm/h, respectively for 0.33 and 6.0-hour storm durations. These results showed a very good agreement with the actual data collected from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climate station in Gadsden, Alabama.