Derecho and MCS Development, Evolution, and Multiscale Interactions during 3–5 July 2003

Abstract

From 3 to 5 July 2003 during the Bow Echo and Mesoscale Convective Vortex Experiment (BAMEX), multiple mesoscale convective systems (MCSs 1 and 2) and derechos (derechos AN, AS, A, BW, and BE) progressed across a preferred upper Midwest corridor. The derechos evolved in a favorable synoptic-scale environment. However, the environmental details associated with each derecho, such as the characteristics of the initial surface boundary, the formation position relative to the upper-level jet stream, the presence of an upper-level mesoscale disturbance, and the CAPE/shear environment varied from derecho to derecho. The MCSs and derechos composed three distinct convective episodes. Multiple mesoscale interactions between the MCSs and derechos and the environment altered the character and longevity of these episodes. The first convective episode consisted of derecho A, which formed from merging derechos AN and AS (northern and southern systems, respectively). The ?200-hPa-deep cold pool associated with derecho A decreased surface potential temperatures by 4?8 K. MCS 1 dissipated upon entering this cold pool and an inertia?gravity wave was emitted that helped to spawn MCS 2. This inertia?gravity wave connected MCSs 1 and 2 into a compound convective episode. As derecho BW (western system) approached a strong surface boundary across Iowa created by the cold pools of derecho A and MCS 1, derecho BE (eastern system) formed. The remnants of derecho BW merged with derecho BE creating another compound convective episode. The upscale effects resulting from this active convective period directly affected subsequent convective development. Upper-level diabatic heating associated with derecho A resulted in NCEP GFS 66-h negative 1000?500-hPa thickness errors of 4?8 dam (forecast too cold) and negative 200-hPa wind errors of 10?20 m s?1 (forecast too weak). The resulting stronger than forecast 200-hPa jet stream likely increased synoptic-scale forcing for the formation and evolution of derecho BW.