Calculation of Convection Parameters over Europe for 15^th August 2008

A bunch of convection parameters are calculated for the 15^th August 2008 based on CFSR 3hr forecasts. In order to get an idea of how they do, they are visually compared to observed lightning strokes within one hour before and after the CFSR forecast time.

A detailed analysis of the weather of this day (and others) can be found in the diploma thesis of Helge Tushy.

A description of the parameters is provided here.

I had no time for an analysis of the results but want to share the images and leave it to a possible reader (viewer that means) to be impressed by some results and disappointed by others. The 8 images of each parameter are combined to an animated gif.

The parameters come in 5 groups. Locations of lightning strokes are shown as pink dots.

Temperature-based Indices	Lapse rate 0m to 500m Lapse rate 2km to 4km Vertical Totals Boyden Index CAP
Temperature and Humidity based Indices	Cross Totals Total Totals Modified Total Totals K Index Modified K Index Humidity Index S Index Rackliff Index Modified Jefferson Index Adedokun Index Potential Instability Index Ko Index Convective Instability Index Lifted Index Showalter Index Deep Convection Index Thomson Index Theta_E Index Yonetani Index
Wind-related Parameters	Hodograph Length 0 to 3km Hodograph Length 0 to 6km Vertical Shear Boundary Layer to 6km Vertical Shear Surface to 1km Vertical Shear Surface to 3km Vertical Shear Surface to 6km Effective Bulk Shear (LPL to EL) Storm Relative Wind Surface to 2km Storm Relative Wind 4km to 6km Storm Relative Wind 9km to 11km Storm Relative Helicity Vorticity Generating Parameter
Advanced Parameters	Energy Index Lifted Condensation Level (LCL) Mixed-Layer Lifted Condensation Level Level of Free Convection (LFC) Equilibrium Level (EL) LFC-LCL EL-LFC Surface-Based Convective Available Potential Energy (SBCAPE) Normalized CAPE Mixed Layer CAPE Maximum Unstable CAPE 3km CAPE Convective Inhibition Upward Vertical Velocity Lifted Parcel Level Wet Bulb Zero Level Craven Parameter Energy Helicity Index Enhanced Stretching Potential Bulk Richardson Number
Thematic Parameters	Severe Weather Threat Index (SWEAT) Downdraft CAPE Supercell Composite Parameter Significant Tornado Parameter V1 Significant Tornado Parameter V2 Significant Hail Parameter (SHIP) Derecho Composite Parameter