The long-lived MCV of 11-13 June 2003 during BAMEX

An unusually strong subtropical jet (STJ) prevailed during the period 5-14 June 2003 in conjunction with the field phase of the Bow Echo and Mesoscale Convective Vortex Experiment (BAMEX). A noteworthy aspect of this period was the variety of organized convective systems over the southern and central Plains and Mississippi Valley. These convective systems appear to be spawned by transient disturbances embedded within the STJ. Many of these convective disturbances generated Mesoscale Convective Vorticies (MCVs), some of which were long-lived.

A particularly long-lived MCV formed over Oklahoma near 0600 UTC 11 June at the northern end of a squall line that was triggered by a transient disturbance embedded within the STJ. This MCV could be tracked northeastwards to Lake Erie by 0000 UTC 13 June. The purpose of this presentation is to document the life cycle and structural evolution of this MCV. This MCV was noteworthy for: (a) upshear tilt, (b) growing upscale, (c) reorganizing convection, and (d) acquiring frontal structure. This MCV also bore some resemblance in its structure to an incipient tropical depression.