5 May CI Detection

5May14 1745Z CI Det

During afternoon cumulus development CI depicted higher probabilities upwards of 80%. Radar did not show much in the way of any precipitation. Sounding data showed very dry air in the low and mid levels with elevated instability, which may support virga. Physical observations were taken by a staff member, who stated that virga was evident. So far, the CI tool is proving to be more of an awareness tool. In a dry air environment forecasters would need to take initiative by investigating soundings to see if these high probabilities are legitimate. I would find that an 80% probability may create the “cry wolf” mindset if they do not verify more often. Would there be a way to incorporate sounding data to mitigate this issue?

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