Polarimetric Radar and Lightning Mapping Array Observations of Convective Updrafts Obtained in Variable Aerosol Regimes in a Relatively Susceptible Environment

NEXRAD polarimetric radar and lightning mapping array observations of deep convective storms near Houston, Texas during the summers of 2013 and 2014 are analyzed to assess signatures of convective updraft intensity. The Houston region during summertime onshore flow is characterized by meteorological conditions where updraft dynamics are considered relatively susceptible to aerosol perturbations. Analysis is performed across regions of varying pollution aerosol loading as identified from satellite observations. Sources of uncertainty, such as inherent randomness of spatial distributions of isolated convective cells, surface heterogeneity, and local forcings, are considered.