Introduction
Flooding due to a Mei-Yu precipitation event on June 1, 2017.
The COMET lesson Mei-Yu Front, Part 1: Ingredients for Heavy Precipitation and the Forecast Process in Taiwan discusses the ingredients for heavy Mei-Yu precipitation and the two types of Mei-Yu precipitation events across Taiwan. A Type-1 event is characterized by linear convection near the Mei-Yu front that produces heavy rain in the plains and mountainous areas of Taiwan. A Type-2 event is characterized by orographically-induced convection that produces heavy rain mostly in the mountainous areas of Taiwan. In this lesson, we will learn how to use satellite and radar observations and model guidance to determine the short-term trend in the Mei-Yu front’s movement and associated convective intensity. These techniques can be applied during both Type-1 and Type-2 Mei-Yu precipitation events.
It is highly recommended that students review the COMET lessons “Satellite Feature Identification: Inferring Three Dimensions from Water Vapour Imagery” and "Satellite Feature Identification: Conveyor Belts" before attempting this lesson. Let’s begin by discussing the factors that impact the movement and convective intensity of the Mei-Yu front.