A techinque for developing the ratio of supercell to non-supercell thunderstorms

A supercell is a long lived, rotating thunderstorm. These thunderstorms are frequently observed as prolific severe weather producers. Many past studies have been undertaken to gain a better knowledge of these storms. However, it is still unknown how often supercell thunderstorms occur in relation to other thunderstorm types.

This study aims to develop a radar-based technique for accurately determining the ratio of supercell to non-supercell thunderstorm. This technique uses a derivative of the Storm Cell Identification and Tracking (SCIT) algorithm along with lightning data to first identify the occurrence of thunderstorms. It then uses a derivative of the Mesocyclone Detection Algorithm (MDA) to discriminate supercells from non-supercells including those of the elevated, mini, and anticyclonic (left-moving) varieties.

This technique has been developed in a manner such that it may be applied to all United States radars with the goal of eventually developing a full climatology of the ratio across the U.S., and eventually other countries, including those in the southern hemisphere. The technique will be tested using a one year data set from the KOAX radar and results will be presented at the conference.