Synoptic and Regional Circulation Parameters Associated with the Degree of Convective Shower Activity in South Florida

Abstract

Radar and synoptic data obtained during the Florida Area Cumulus Experiment have been used in an exploratory study to investigate the effects of synoptic and regional circulations on the development of convective activity in south Florida. The radar data were used to stratify the days into four groups according to their degree of shower coverage. Mean soundings and typical synoptic maps were constructed for each group. These products were then analyzed to identify and quantify the principal factors that are associated with the production of convective showers. In general, the overall differences in activity among the four groups are a result of the influence of large-scale regional and synoptic flow patterns on the underlying local mesoscale and sea-breeze circulations. This influence is reflected in the properties of the air mass in which the convection is developing, as well as in the additional large-scale dynamic effects that are provided.