LAPS Observations and Determining Future Storm Development…

Just a quick post about observations of the LAPS theta-e field this afternoon. It was interesting to see the near stationary aspect of the theta-e boundary in assoc/w the dryline to our south across portions of north Texas this afternoon. This suggests that continued development is possible late this afternoon especially across northern Texas, where the gradients have been sustained and have even increased lately.  However, notice that the gradients have decreased generally across much of Oklahoma where convection and related effects (rain cooled air, cloud shield) have helped to stabilize the environment.

Image 1.  LAPS 2115 UTC analysis.  Shaded values are sfc theta-e, while wind vectors are in blue.
Image 1. LAPS 2115 UTC analysis. Shaded values are sfc theta-e (K), while wind vectors are in blue.
Image 1. LAPS 2115 UTC analysis. Shaded values are sfc theta-e (K), while wind vectors are in blue.
Image 1. LAPS 2130 UTC analysis. Shaded values are sfc theta-e (K), while wind vectors are in blue.

 

Image 1. LAPS 2115 UTC analysis. Shaded values are sfc theta-e (K), while wind vectors are in blue.
Image 1. LAPS 2145 UTC analysis. Shaded values are sfc theta-e (K), while wind vectors are in blue.
Image 1. LAPS 2115 UTC analysis. Shaded values are sfc theta-e (K), while wind vectors are in blue.
Image 1. LAPS 2200 UTC analysis. Shaded values are sfc theta-e (K), while wind vectors are in blue.
Image 1. LAPS 2115 UTC analysis. Shaded values are sfc theta-e (K), while wind vectors are in blue.
Image 1. LAPS 2215 UTC analysis. Shaded values are sfc theta-e (K), while wind vectors are in blue.

The 15-minute temporal resolution of the product can be very useful for diagnosing locations of continued convection especially in rapidly developing convective situations.

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