Convective cloud features in typical synoptic environments: The warm sector
Competency Framework
WMO Satellite Skills
Application
Description
A preferred area for the initial development of deep convection is the maximum of warm air in the warm sector in front of Cold Fronts.
Content
There are typical situations in the thickness ridge ahead of Cold Fronts where Mesoscale Convective Systems develop quickly in the afternoon. In low and middle layers moist warm air is advected from the south or south-west which, together with the drier and colder air at upper levels, leads to potentially unstable stratification of the troposphere. If such a situation occurs close to the Cold Front the effect is often increased by dry and cold air stream from behind the Cold Front overrunning the frontal zone at higher levels.