The convective storm system during IOP 2a of MAP: Cloud-to-ground lightning flash production in relation to dynamics and microphysics

This paper presents a study about correlation between cloud-to-ground lightning ash (CG) activity, and the dynamics and microphysics of thunderclouds. Data collected during Intense Observation Period (MAP IOP) 2a of the Mesoscale Alpine Programme Special Observing Period (SOP) over the Lago Maggiore Target Area (LMTA) in northern Italy are used. IOP 2a was the most electrically active period during the SOP, representing 75% of the total CG activity. Thunderclouds were strongly vertically developed (the 30 dBZ echo tops were sometimes higher than 12 km) and produced large amounts of rainfall and some hail. Doppler and polarimetric radar data allow us to retrieve the three-dimensional wind and radar-reflectivity fields from two synchronous Doppler radars, and particle-type fields in the thunderclouds from the S-Pol polarimetric radar. Both polarities of CGs are distinguished. Temporal and spatial relationships from the global activity over the LMTA are first studied. Then, the temporal correlation between CG rates and dynamics or microphysics for five individual cells is considered. A very strong correlation is observed between CG and the presence of a mixture of graupel and hail, which strongly supports a non-inductive charging mechanism. CG impacts seem to be located underneath large radar-reflectivity values and around the maximum vertical velocities. Two individual cells are studied in more detail, in order to better understand their different electrical behaviours: the first produced mainly negative CGs, and the second produced 61% positive CGs in the second phase of its lifetime. The association of positive CGs with severe weather and especially with the presence of hail is observed