The Enhanced-V: A Satellite Observable Severe Storm Signature

Abstract

Enhanced infrared satellite imagery is used to examine severe thunderstorms that display a warm spot accompanied by a signature called an enhanced-V. This enhanced-V is formed when strong upper level winds are diverted around an overshooting thunderstorm top. When a storm has an enhanced-V, it has a high probability of subsequently producing severe weather. Two rules for identification of an enhanced-V are established. The meridian lead time from enhanced-V identification to the first severe weather report is 30 min. A low false alarm ratio makes this identification technique a potential severe storm warning tool. However, a relatively low probability of detection indicates that there are many severe storms that do not show an enhanced-V.