The Characteristics of Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Activity with Severe Thunderstorm Wind in South and North China

Abstract

AbstractThe characteristics of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning activity with severe thunderstorm wind (STW) in South and North China are analyzed using CG lightning data, radar data, and serious weather reports. The percentage of positive CG (PCG) flashes with STW in North China is larger than that in South China. STW takes place during the period when the total CG and PCG density is increasing fastest. STW also occurs close to the high-value center of CG and PCG density. In North China, the CG and PCG density in the grid of STW maximizes approximately 20 minutes after the STW occurs; while in South China, the PCG density and percentage of PCG in the grid of STW maximizes about 10 minutes before the occurrence of STW. The high-value centers of CG density and PCG density in North China move slightly faster than those in South China, which is opposite to the rate of increasing CG activity.