Mesoscale convective systems in NW Mexico during the strong ENSO events of 1997-1999

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the summertime mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) that developed in northwestern Mexico during the strong ENSO events of 1997-1999. From the analysis of geostationary data, results indicate that the largest number of MCSs was associated with the 1997 El Niño event throughout a longer active period. During the La Niña event of 1999 fewer MCSs were observed, which had developed over a shorter active period. The occurrence of MCSs is linked to the location of the ridge and the anticyclonic anomalies at 500 hPa and 200 hPa, respectively.