This study evaluates high resolution WRF model simulations with NASA/TRMM-3B42 and polarimetric radar (NPOL) precipitation products. The numerical experimental setup will cover the mid-Atlantic region, with the focus over the Baltimore, Maryland and Washington DC urban zone (~ 800 km²). Convective activities in association with precipitation in urban zone play an important role in the regional hydrological cycle and water budget. Additionally, these severe weather events have a significant impact on economy and transportation in this highly populated region. Our hypothesis is that fine resolution (e.g., 1 km grid-spacing) modeling is essential for improving prediction in urban-scale severe weather events. This research focuses on following: 1) validation of spatial and temporal variation of convection in WRF over the mid-Atlantic using TRMM-3B42 and NPOL radar observations; 2) investigation of urban-scale pre-storm environment as well as atmosphere boundary layer processes and their impacts on the initiation, intensification or weaken of convection in mid-Atlantic region.