Convectively Driven High Wind Events

Abstract

On a day when the potential instability is sufficient, it is possible to initiate storms from rising air parcels. One estimate of the intensity of these buoyant plumes (also an indicator of the severity of the storm) is based on parcel theory (Bluestein et al. 1988, 1989; Holton 1992). These rising parcels of air rapidly cool until saturation occurs. Further lifting results in condensation and, in a short period of time, precipitation develops. It is often at this stage that another fundamental element of a storm commonly forms: the convective downdraft.