Impact of Local Convective Cloud Systems on Summer Daytime Shelter Temperature

Abstract

The potential impact of daytime local summer convective cloud systems on shelter air temperature is illustrated by numerical modeling and observations. Prolonged reductions in surface solar irradiance due to cloudiness result in a noticeable decrease in shelter temperature over drylands and a moderate temperature fall over wet surfaces. When cloudiness is abruptly diminished, shelter temperature increases rapidly. Numerical modeling of downdrafts associated with rainfall in a dry convective atmosphere indicates a pronounced drop in shelter temperature (as high as 12°C). The modeling results are consistent with observations. The significance of the results and their potential applications are outlined.