PX-1000 Observations of Mesoscale Convective Systems during PECAN

The Plains Elevated Convection At Night (PECAN) experiment explored several aspects of nocturnal convection, including its formation and evolution, as well as the associated hazards. The University of Oklahoma PX-1000 radar was deployed during PECAN and collected several data sets on mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). The PX-1000 is a transportable, solid-state dual-polarization weather radar that operates at X band. Using pulse compression, the PX-1000 is able to achieve a higher sensitivity and range resolution even though it only transmits 200 W per polarization.

The goal of this study is to highlight interesting cases obtained from the PX-1000, and examine polarimetric characteristics of MCSs at X band. During the 25 June 2015 IOP, the PX-1000 observed both leading and trailing stratiform precipitation and comparative analyses of these stratiform regions will be presented. An intense rear-inflow jet was also observed with varying near-surface wind profiles. The second MCS case focuses on a mature leading line, trailing stratiform (LLTS) during which intense near-surface winds were observed. Polarimetric characteristics of an intense convective band behind the primary convective line and a robust trailing stratiform region will be analyzed from the 6 July 2015 IOP. The analyses will use velocity-azimuth display and quasi-vertical profiles in conjunction with PPIs and RHIs to examine the kinematic and microphysical characteristics of these cases.