Mesocyclonic and non-mesocyclonic convective storms in Germany: Storm characteristics and life-cycle

Abstract

A multi-year analysis of mesocyclonic (approximately 4300) and non-mesocyclonic convective storms (more than 100,000) is presented. A comprehensive data set is generated which includes measurements from a lightning location system, a precipitation radar network, as well as information from automated cell detection algorithms based on radar reflectivity and radial winds. Storms' rotation, reflectivity, lightning and motion characteristics are analysed for storms with different lifetimes. Furthermore, the temporal evolution of the storms' attributes is analysed in order to study the convective life-cycle. For this purpose, the storms are grouped according to their lifetime. The temporal evolution of storm attributes varies from one storm to the other, however, typical storm developments are revealed. The average temporal evolution of the storm size is symmetric, the maximum is reached at the half of the lifetime. In contrast, the maximum lightning rate is reached later. Comparing the attributes of non-mesocyclonic and mesocyclonic storms, varies differences are identified. Mesocyclonic storms are shown to be typically longer-living (the median is approximately 30 min longer), larger, faster moving (on average approximately 15 km/h faster) and electrically more active compared to non-mesocyclonic storms. These characteristics are more pronounced for stronger mesocyclonic storms.