Lightning symbols in Rain/thunder layer for all weather models
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Hello! I still remember when the Rain/Thunder layer for the models of the ICON family didn't have any lightning symbols in the areas where thunderstorms were forecasted. These lightning symbols were later added, and this was a much appreciated addition, because one can see at a glance where thunderstorms are forecasted in an area.
I'd like to suggest that something similar should be done with other weather models, such as the North American ones (GFS, NAM, HRRR, HRDPS), especially because North America is particularly prone to severe thunderstorms. Visualizing the lightning symbols in the Rain/Thunder layer would immediately help North American users understand where the thunderstorms will potentially be without clicking each area with precipitation to see the detailed forecast panel.
I don't know how the lightning symbols were added to the models in the ICON family, but maybe this could be done in any model by adding a lightning symbol at a location in the map if the corresponding detailed forecast panel shows thunderstorms.
Many thanks! -
Hi @Dorsal3007, lightning symbols are "created" from various forecast parameters. In case of ECMWF, lightning density is used, in case of ICON models, weather warning (WW) parameter (see table 6.1 on page 47 in this document) is used.
As far as I know, NOAA's models do not contain parameter that could be used for this. Here and here are lists of available forecasted parameters for GFS, both linked from here (as inventory files for FH001-384 for 0.25˚ resolution we are using). Here are links to inventory files for NAM and HRRR.
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@Filip_K Thanks for the comprehensive reply. Out of curiosity, how do the NOAA models decide to show a thunderstorm forecast in the detailed forecast panel for a location? Maybe could that decision algorithm be implemented to show the lightning symbols in the layer, instead of using an explicit parameter from NOAA (which isn't provided)? Thanks again!
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@Filip_K
Maybe parameter for convective preci.
598 surface ACPCP 0-3 hour acc Convective Precipitation [kg/m^2]
599 surface ACPCP 0-3 hour acc Convective Precipitation [kg/m^2]Also (for NAM)
392 surface LTNG 1 hour fcst Lightning [non-dim] -
@Gkikas-LGPZ
LTNGparameter (available for NAM and HRRR) looks promising at first glance. I'm putting its examination and possible implementation on my TODO list. -
@Filip_K Are there any updates on this?
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Hi @Dorsal3007, unfortunately no, still on my TODO list.
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@Filip_K Thank you for the update!
