Effects of Soil Moisture Variations on Summer Convective Activity over the Floridian Peninsula

This research aims to assess the impact of soil moisture content on airmass convective activity during the summer over the Floridian peninsula. Past work has highlighted the importance of evapotranspiration within numerical models over the Midwest. A 4-km WRF-ARW ensemble model is used to simulate a typical summer day in the Southeast. Ensemble members are identical except for the initial soil moisture values. Test cases include dryer-than-average conditions, moister-than-average conditions, post-hurricane, severe drought, and an NCEP control. Precipitable water, low-level moisture, and storm strength and coverage are examined to determine the influence of soil moisture on diurnal convective activity. The resulting model will become an educational tool for students at the university.