Course: Radar meteorology and storm microphysics

The course will provide the most recent knowledge on the precipitation growth processes in convective storms. Special attention will be given to large hail and the environmental factors that affect its growth in supercells and other convective types. Besides large hail, we will explore the microphysics of strong downdraft-producing storms, warm-rain-driven rainstorms, and also of tornadic supercells.  Concerning tornadoes, we look at which microphysical properties of the rear-flank downdraft are most conducive to tornadoes. For each of the discussed phenomena and associated convective storm types, we look at the radar signatures that can help us identify the impending threat. Here, we highlight the usage of Doppler radar velocities and polarimetric radar signatures for different hazards. Besides discussing the recent knowledge, we address the main limitations and questions that the science has yet to answer concerning storm microphysics.

Format: 5 lectures (each morning) and 4 practical exercises (each afternoon from Mon…