Mostofa Kamal, Yanping Li, Xiaohui Zhao (2022). Exploring the Dynamical and Thermodynamical Characteristics of Supercell Thunderstorms over the Canadian Prairies . Proceedings of the GWF Annual Open Science Meeting, May 16-18, 2022.

Supercells are the most violent thunderstorm, which can produce strong tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding. From June to August, the Canadian Prairies (i.e., a major agricultural region of Canada) are greatly affected by various supercells, including low-precipitation (LP), high-precipitation (HP), and classic supercells. Despite the enormous socioeconomic impact of supercell thunderstorms over the Canadian Prairies, it remains poorly understood which environmental conditions are favorable for the development and maintenance of supercells. Therefore, this work aims to study the dynamical and thermodynamical characteristics of the environment during different supercells by examining severe weather parameters derived from soundings. Specifically, this study analyzed 23 LP, 15 HP, and 16 classic-type supercells that occurred over the Canadian Prairies and compared their dynamical and thermodynamical characteristics with their US Great Plains counterparts. Preliminary results show that LP supercell develops predominantly over Alberta, Classic Supercell forms over Saskatchewan, and HP supercell develops over Manitoba, respectively. The dynamical and thermodynamical atmospheric variables of the prairie LP supercell are significantly lower than those of the U.S. Great Plains counterpart. HP supercells over the Canadian Prairies usually develop in an environment with relatively lower convective available potential energy than their U.S. Great Plains counterparts. The development of the classic supercell is controlled by an elevated mixed layer that is associated with the Rocky Mountains. Our result will help operational weather forecasters prepare for improved severe weather forecasting, saving lives and properties.

First Author: Mostofa Kamal, School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan
Additional Authors: Dr. Yanping Li, School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan and Dr. Xiaohui Zhao, Global Institute of Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada