Convective Downbursts
Ken Pryor - Center for Satellite Applications and Research (NOAA/NESDIS)
Introduction
The objective of this session is to better understand and utilize techniques for predicting the risk of convective downbursts using GOES sounder derived product data.
Prerequisites
This is a basic course. There are no prerequisites.
Training Session Options
LMS students - to begin the training, use the web-based video or audio playback options below (if present for this session).
- Web-based video that can be taken at anytime (streamed, not recommended for low-bandwidth users). Be sure to have your speakers on and the volume loud enough to hear the presentation. For students who initiated this course in the NWS Learning Center (LMS), certificates of completion can be obtained from the learning center's "My Transcript" page upon completion of the associated quiz.
Audio playback (recommended for low-bandwidth users) - This is an audio playback version in the form of a downloadable VISITview and can be taken at anytime. Certificates of completion for NOAA employees can be obtained on the E-Learning Management System LMS
Create a directory to download the audio playback file (32 MB) from the following link: http://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/training/visit/training_sessions/convective_downbursts/convective_downbursts_audio.exe
After extracting the files into that directory click on either the visitplay.bat or visitauto.bat file to start the lesson. If both files are present, use visitauto.bat
- Live VISIT teletraining (with an instructor leading the session). Check the VISIT Training Calendar to signup for teletraining. The session will last 60 minutes. This teletraining session uses the VISITview software, where a Windows PC with an Internet connection is needed.
Please follow the teletraining installation instructions to install the session
References/Additional Links
- Talking points are available for this lesson and may be printed out to easily review the session in detail at any time.
- GOES Microburst Products
- WINDEX Validation Paper
- WMSI Validation Paper
- GOES Sounding Point Retrievals in AWIPS VISIT session
- Papers in ArXiv.org
- Atkins, N.T., and R.M. Wakimoto, 1991: Wet microburst activity over the southeastern United States: Implications for forecasting. Wea. Forecasting, 6, 470-482.
- Caracena, F., and J.A. Flueck, 1988: Classifying and forecasting microburst activity in the Denver area. J. Aircraft, 25, 525-530.
- Caracena, F., R.L. Holle, and C.A. Doswell, cited 2009: Microbursts-A handbook for visual identification. Available online at http://www.cimms.ou.edu/~doswell/microbursts/Handbook.html.
- Doswell, C.A., 2001: Severe convective storms- An overview. Severe Convective Storms, C.A. Doswell, Ed., Amer. Meteor. Soc., 1-26.
- Ellrod, G. P., 1989: Environmental conditions associated with the Dallas microburst storm determined from satellite soundings. Wea. Forecasting, 4, 469-484.
- Ellrod, G.P., J.P. Nelson, M.R. Witiw, L. Bottos, and W.P. Roeder, 2000: Experimental GOES sounder products for the assessment of downburst potential. Wea. Forecasting, 15, 527-542.
- Fujita, T.T., and R.M. Wakimoto, 1983: Microbursts in JAWS depicted by Doppler radars, PAM and aerial photographs. Preprints, 21st Conf. on Radar Meteorology, Edmonton, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 638-645.
- McCann, D.W., 1994: WINDEX-A new index for forecasting microburst potential. Wea. Forecasting, 9, 532-541.
- Pryor, K.L., 2008a: An initial assessment of the GOES Microburst Windspeed Potential Index. Preprints, 5th GOES Users' Conf., New Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
- Pryor, K.L., 2008b: A GOES imager-derived microburst product. arXiv:0802.3340v3 [physics.ao-ph]
- Wakimoto, R.M., 1985: Forecasting dry microburst activity over the high plains. Mon. Wea. Rev., 113, 1131-1143.
- Wakimoto, R.M., 2001: Convectively Driven High Wind Events. Severe Convective Storms, C.A. Doswell, Ed., Amer. Meteor. Soc., 255-298.
Content Developed
- Developed: 2004
- Updated: 2011
