Wednesday, May 15, 2013

PGLM Flash Extent Density Comparison with MRMS Data

A lightning jump of 18 Flash/Min to 40 Flash/Min between 1908 and 1909Z with a second jump to 51 Flash/Min at 1912Z preceded a rapid increase in vertically integrated ice, MESH, and reflectivity at the -10C isotherm. A 1″ hail report was then acquired at 1926Z in Ratliff City.

The following plot shows the flash extent density trace for the storm approaching Ratliff City, OK. Focus on the timeframe between roughly 1900Z and 1930Z. Notice the strong jump between 1908Z and 1909Z.


MESH jumped from 0.63in (1910Z) to 1.10in (1912Z) to 1.26in (1914Z) with the last detection of 1.02in (1924Z) before dropping off thereafter. The following images show the jump from 1910Z to 1912Z.

051513 1910 UTC MESH
051513 1912 UTC MESH
Looking at the vertically integrated ice product…there was an increase in values from 14 kg/m2 (1908Z) to 20 kg/m2 (1910Z) to 32 kg/m2 (1912Z) with consistently high values above 30 kg/m2 through 1924Z. See the images below as the storm approached Ratliff City.

051513 1902 VIL
0501513 1910 VIL
051513 1912 VIL
Regarding reflectivity at the -10C isotherm…there was an increase to 59dBZ by 1912Z then 61dBZ at 1914Z (not shown).

Again, the 1″ hail report was acquired in Ratliff City at 1926Z which gives the lightning flash extent density tool a 17min lead time to the 1″ hail report.

RJM

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