Thunderstorm Initiation, Organization, and Lifetime Associated with Florida Boundary Layer Convergence Lines

Abstract

Abstract The initiation, organization, and longevity of thunderstorms associated with boundary layer convergence lines in the Cape Canaveral, Florida, vicinity are examined using data from the Convection and Precipitation/Electrification (CaPE) experiment. The project was conducted during July and August 1991 under low vertical wind shear situations. This observational study is based on Doppler radar, mesonet, balloon sounding, and satellite data. The primary convergence lines studied were the east coast sea-breeze front (ECSBF) and a frequently occurring gust front from the west termed the west coast front (WCF) that originates with storms initiated by the west coast sea-breeze front. Significantly fewer storms were associated with the ECSBF in comparison to the WCF. This was because the convergence with the ECSBF was shallower and weaker and the updrafts were shallow and tilted. The environmental winds were generally westerly near the top of the ECSBF and at storm steering level. As a result, the low-le...