Investigating the Spatial and Temporal Evolution of Lightning in Pre-depressions Ida (2021) and Idalia (2023) Using the Geostationary Lightning Mapper

While recent work has contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between lightning and tropical cyclone intensification, it has been limited in scope. Previous research has mainly used land-based detection networks to investigate developed systems, with the goal of using lightning as a potential indicator for intensification or weakening. Few studies have attempted to examine lightning in pre-genesis disturbances, each with conflicting results.

The Geostationary Lightning Mapper on the newest generation of GOES satellites provides a wealth of lightning-related information at high spatial and temporal resolutions across the North Atlantic and East Pacific basins dating back to 2017. This project seeks to introduce a novel framework to use these new capabilities to analyze the spatial and temporal evolution of lightning in pre-genesis disturbances. Analysis of the disturbances that became Hurricane Ida (2021) and Hurricane Idalia (2023) will be presented as we investigate the evolution and trends of lightning prior to their genesis in the Caribbean. The environmental factors and storm characteristics associated with the production of lightning in the two storms will be compared, and the potential relationships with genesis will be discussed. These efforts will contribute to a better understanding of a critical part of the tropical cyclone life cycle that is difficult to forecast.