Distinct weekly cycles of thunderstorms and a potential connection with aerosol type in China

Abstract

This study identified distinct weekly cycles in thunderstorm activities and convection-associated variables in two regions of China dominated by different types of aerosol during the summers of 1983–2005. In both regions, visibility has similar weekly cycle: lower on weekdays than on weekends. Barring any possible “natural” weekly cycles, the findings of the poorest and best visibility on Friday and Monday, respectively, point to the weekly variations in anthropogenic emissions. However, the phases of the thunderstorm cycles between the two regions were different. In central China, thunderstorms occurred more frequently from Saturday to Monday than on other days. The cycles were out of phase in southeast China. It is hypothesized that the phase difference is associated with aerosol type. In central China aerosol absorption is strong, which suppresses convection more on weekdays. In southeast China aerosols are less absorbing but more hygroscopic, which helps invigorate thunderstorms more on weekdays.