The role of intense convection in tropical cyclone formation is examined with TRMM satellite rainfall measurements and AIRS satellite-sensor derived atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles in conjunction with airborne Doppler radar observations, in-situ data and high-resolution numerical simulations. In this study, we first characterize the convective properties of the selected tropical waves and their environment conditions during TPARC/TCS08 (2008) and PREDICT (2010) field programs using the satellite, radar and in-situ observations. The intensity, distribution and evolution of the convection systems are compared for developing and non-developing tropical waves. The relationship between intense convection and tropical cyclone formation is evaluated. Key findings from the data analysis are further studied by numerical simulations with the objective to understand the processes that connect the intense convection and TC formation and rapid intensification. Results will be discussed in the presentation.