Can Convective Cold Pools Lead to the Development of Low‐Level Jets?

Abstract

Abstract We present the first observational evidence for convectively generated cold pools (CP) as driving mechanism for low‐level jets (LLJ). Our findings are based on a unique campaign data set that allowed us to perform a systematic assessment of the process. During the three‐month campaign in Germany, 6.8% of all identified LLJ profiles were connected to a CP (CPLLJ). Most measured CPLLJs appeared with the CP front and lasted for up to two hours. Moreover, we have observed a CP favoring the formation of a several‐hours long LLJ. In that case, a strong LLJ and cooling of the atmosphere between the surface and at least 400 m a.g.l. were seen when the density current reached the measurement site. The development led to the formation of a near‐surface temperature inversion during daytime as a prerequisite for the LLJ, not unlike the mechanism of nocturnal LLJs.