Work

Extreme Short-Duration Rainfall and Urban Flood Hazard: Case Studies of Convective Events in Warsaw and Zamość, Poland

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates two extreme convective rainfall events that struck Poland in August 2024, affecting Warsaw (Okęcie) on 19 August and Zamość on 21 August. The aim is to evaluate the meteorological background, intensity, and spatial characteristics of these short-duration storms. We used high-resolution meteorological observations, radar imagery, and satellite data provided by the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW-PIB). The storms were analyzed using temporal rainfall profiles, Chomicz α index classification, and comparison with World Meteorological Organization (WMO) thresholds for extreme precipitation. Both events exceeded national and international criteria for torrential rainfall. In Zamość, over 88.3 mm of rain fell within one hour, and 131.3 mm within three hours—ranking this episode among the most intense short-duration rainfall events in the region. Convective organization patterns, including multicellular clustering and convective training, were identified as key factors enhancing rainfall intensity. The results demonstrate the diagnostic value of combining national indices with global benchmarks in rainfall assessment. These findings support further integration of convection-permitting models and real-time nowcasting into urban hydrometeorological warning systems.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17182671

Authors: Bartłomiej Pietras, Robert Pyrc

Institutions: Uniwersytet Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie, Institute of Meteorology and Water Management

Language: English

Topic: Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137