Research

Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences

Title :

Development of a framework for probabilistic forecast of lightning over the Indian region and investigation of land-atmosphere feedback processes for further improvement

Area of research :

Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences

Focus area :

Atmospheric Science

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Subhadeep halder, Department of Geophysics, Faculty of Science Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India

Timeline Start Year :

2021

Details

Executive Summary :

This project is aimed to deliver a state of the art modeling framework for the operational probabilistic forecast of lightning associated with convective storms. In the present scenario of increasing incidences of lightning from severe weather systems and associated casualties, development of a prediction system for thunderstorms and associated lightning flashes is the need of the hour. Two different approaches will be adopted. The first is through a cloud- resolving numerical modelling strategy where improved initial and boundary conditions from the Global Forecast System (GFS) and Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) will be used to drive ensembles of the Weather Research Forecast (WRF) model in cloud resolving scale. Probabilistic forecasts of lightning will be generated based on the Lightning Potential Index (LPI) that depends on simulated vertical velocity and hydrometeors. Secondly, an innovative method of dynamical-statistical forecasting will be designed based on the relationship of model derived storm parameters and observed lightning flashes.

Co-PI:

Prof. Rajeev Bhatla, Department of Geophysics, Faculty of Science Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India

Total Budget (INR):

59,09,792

Organizations involved