Open AccessMesoscale simulation of an extreme rainfall event over Mumbai, India, using a high‐resolution MM5 model
Author(s) -
Litta A. J.,
Chakrapani B.,
Mohankumar K.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
meteorological applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1469-8080
pISSN - 1350-4827
DOI - 10.1002/met.31
Subject(s) - mesoscale meteorology , mm5 , climatology , environmental science , thunderstorm , meteorology , troposphere , monsoon , atmospheric sciences , geology , geography
Mesoscale models are essential for the accurate prediction of high‐impact weather, such as severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall events, mountain weather forecasting, cloudbursts and cyclones. An attempt has been made in the present study to simulate the heavy rainfall event that occurred during 26 July 2005 over Santa Cruz (19.20°N, 72.53°E) in Mumbai, India, using the Fifth‐Generation NCAR/Penn State Mesoscale Model (MM5). The cloud‐resolving mesoscale model with the right combination of the nesting domains, horizontal resolution and cloud parameterization schemes, is able to simulate the heavy rainfall event both qualitatively and quantitatively. The model results indicate the existence of an intense mesoscale vortex in the mid‐troposphere during this heavy rainfall event. The localized heavy rainfall which occurred over Santa Cruz may possibly be due to the subsidence of the mid‐tropospheric mesoscale vortex, superimposed on the active monsoon conditions over this region. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society