2019 Kerala Extreme Rainfall Event: Insights from Dual-Polarized Doppler Weather Radar Observations
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In August 2019, Kerala experienced an intense rainfall episode with peak rainfall observed from August 7 to 9, 2019.This study investigates the kinematic and microphysical characteristics of the event using C-band dual-polarization Doppler weather radar (DWR) observations.The radar-derived winds reveal low-level convergence supporting vertical motion.The polarimetric signatures indicate warm-rain processes below the melting layer and aggregation-driven ice growth aloft.The Kumjian and Ryzhkov parameter space suggests raindrop evolution through controlled mixed-phase processes and equilibrium between coalescence and collisional breakup.The study reveals that extreme rainfall was primarily driven by persistent moisture supply and high precipitation efficiency.The study highlights the role of dual-polarized DWR observations in resolving storm-scale processes and improving understanding of monsoon rainfall in complex orographic regions.
Source: URSI Radio Science Letters
DOI: 10.46620/26-0097
Author: Vaibhav Tyagi
Institution: Indian Institute of Technology Indore
Language: English
Subfield: Atmospheric Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7215100613