Simulation of hailstorm event using Mesoscale Model MM5 with modified cloud microphysics scheme

Abstract

Mesoscale model MM5 (Version 3.5) with some modifications in the cloud microphysics scheme of Schultz (1995), has been used to simulate two hailstorm events over Gangetic Plain of West Bengal, India. While the first event occurred on 12 March 2003 and the hails covered four districts of the state of West Bengal, India, the second hailstorm event struck Srinikatan (22.65° N, 87.7° E) on 10 April 2006 at 11:32 UT and it lasted for 2–3 min. Both these events can be simulated, if the same modifications are introduced in the cloud microphysics scheme of Schultz. However, the original scheme of Schultz cannot simulate any hail. The results of simulation were compared with the necessary products of Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) located at Kolkata (22.57° N, 88.35° E). Model products like reflectivity, graupel and horizontal wind are compared with the corresponding products of DWR. The pattern of hail development bears good similarity between model output and observation from DWR, if necessary modifications are introduced in the model. The model output of 24 h accumulated rain from 03:00 UT to next day 03:00 UT has also been compared with the corresponding product of the satellite TRMM.