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A mesocyclone is a meso-gamma mesoscale (or storm scale) region of rotation , typically around 2 to 6 mi (3.2 to 9.7 km) in diameter, most often noticed on radar within thunderstorms. In the northern hemisphere it is usually located in the right rear flank (back edge with respect to direction of movement) of a supercell , or often on the ...
A supercell is a thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a mesocyclone, a deep, persistently rotating updraft. [1] Due to this, these storms are sometimes referred to as rotating thunderstorms. [ 2 ]
A mesocyclone is a type of mesovortex, approximately 1 to 10 km (0.6 to 6 mi) in diameter (the mesoscale of meteorology), within a convective storm. [6] Mesocyclones are air that rises and rotates around a vertical axis, usually in the same direction as low pressure systems in a given hemisphere.
The near 26 inches of rain at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport was a 1-in-1,000-year storm.
Air circulation in a supercell thunderstorm, including the rear flank downdraft. The rear flank downdraft (RFD) is a region of dry air wrapping around the back of a mesocyclone in a supercell thunderstorm. [1] These areas of descending air are thought to be essential in the production of many supercellular tornadoes.
The supercell is the strongest of the thunderstorms, most commonly associated with large hail, high winds, and tornado formation. Precipitable water values of greater than 31.8 millimetres (1.25 in) favor the development of organized thunderstorm complexes. [6]
This is in the rear of the supercell near the main updraft and most supercells move in a direction with northeasterly components, for supercells forming in northwest flow situations and moving southeastward, the wall cloud may be found on the northwest or back side of such storms. Rotating wall clouds are visual evidence of a mesocyclone.
As the mesocyclone lowers below the cloud base, it begins to take in cool, moist air from the downdraft region of the storm. The convergence of this cool air and the warm air in the updraft causes a rotating wall cloud to form. The RFD also focuses the mesocyclone's base, causing it to siphon air from a smaller and smaller area on the ground.