An Application of Two Tropical Parameterization Schemes of Convective Latent Heat Release in Middle Latitudes

Abstract

Models developed by Krishnamurti et al. (1973) and Kuo (1974) for parameterizing the convective latent heat release in synoptic?scale tropical systems are slightly modified and applied to a case study in which Tropical Storm Candy (1968) interacts with a developing extratropical baroclinic frontal system over the United States. Stable latent heat release is also computed, although much of the reported weather activity is unstable. The convective and stable components of latent heat are converted to precipitation rates and compared to the observed precipitation rate. The results show that Krishnamurti's scheme does not produce reliable patterns. Reasons for this failure are discussed. Kuo's scheme, on the other hand, shows better agreement with observed precipitation rates, although discrepancies still exist.