Multipeak Raindrop Size Distribution Observed by UHF/VHF Wind Profilers during the Passage of a Mesoscale Convective System

Abstract

The Indian Mesosphere–Stratosphere–Troposphere radar (IMSTR), Lower Atmospheric Wind Profiler (LAWP), and Joss–Waldvogel (JW) disdrometer measurements during the passage of two distinctly different (in terms of total rain and rainfall rate) convective storms are utilized to understand the nature and origin of the multipeak raindrop size distribution (MRDSD). Important issues, such as the preferential stage and height at which bi- or multimodal rain distribution occurs in a mesoscale convective system (MCS) are addressed. For both of the storms, the MRDSD is observed during the transition period from convection to stratiform rain. The pattern and variation of the MRDSD during this period is strikingly similar in both of the storms. The MRDSD is first observed above the freezing level in the presence of heavy riming. The subsequent spectra have shown bimodal distribution below the freezing level, and the bimodality is attributed to the coexistence of ice and supercooled droplets. Interestingly, the bimodal distribution has not varied much with altitude when it is produced because of the coexistence of ice and supercooled droplets. The MRDSD is also observed at few range gates and for a short duration. Such a type of MRDSD is seen during the transition period between decaying and intensifying rain.