Analysis of Characteristics of Lightning

This research aimed to improve the detection of lightning before it occurs in order to provide an improved prediction method for lightning. Using observation data from a lightning locator, Doppler weather radar and meteorological satellite data from the Hubei area, this paper analyzed a strong Hubei thunderstorm and weather processes from August 30th to 31st, 2014. The study considered the circulation background, system mechanisms, radar reflectivity, high echo top, vertically integrated liquid and characteristics of cloud maps. Our analysis showed that under the influence of a mesoscale convective cloud system, time and area of the lightning corresponded to the area of the radar with intense echo reflectivity and high cloud tops. When the regional echo intensity was 40 dBz, maximum of 45 dBz, echo top was above 9 km, maximum up to 17 km, K index was not below 36 and most of the vertically integrated liquid was more than 6 kg/m², with the largest range of up to 20 kg/m², thunder and lightning weather were forecast.