Lightning and precipitation produced by Severe Weather Systems, over Belem, Brazil

Abstract

Lightning variables monitored by a LDN which included 12 LPATS IV VAISALA |sensors distributed over eastern Amazonia, were analyzed during five severe rainstorm occurrences in BelemPA-Brazil, in 2007. For the analysis of the days of severe storms, data from a high time resolution pluviometer, |operated by CPRM in Belem, were also used. These case studies referred to rainfall events, which produced |more than 40 mm of precipitation totals, registered by a tipping bucket automatic pluviometer located at 1°24’ S, |48°26’ W. Centered at this location, a 30 km radius circle was drawn by means of a geographic information |system, and the data from lightning occurrences within this area, were set apart for analysis. The associated CG |lightning events do not show a recognizable displacement pattern over the neighboring area. Instead, they occur almost simultaneously over the surrounding area, covered by meso scale convective systems. These case studies constitute a basis for future warnings of severe rainfall in Belem, and other locations, in the Region. Additionally, this work also showed that, the large- scale meteorological conditions also has a large influence on the intensity of the storms cases studied. This was clearly demonstrated, when the ZCIT and LI`s were acting and enhancing the precipitation and lightning occurrences observed around Belem