Meteorological Aspects of Winter Thunderstorms along the Hokuriku Coast of Japan

Abstract

For about a century, studies concerning summer thunderstorms in the middle latitude zone have elucidated data on both their meteorological and electrical features. By contrast, winter thunderstorms have been studied only for the last few decades. For both reasons of scientific interest and the practical purpose of preventing serious damage by winter thunderbolts to aircrafts and electric power systems, studies of winter thunderstorms have currently become one of the focuses of lightning research. Besides winter sprite was discovered about 10 years ago. This is the newest interesting phenomena in this field. The meteorological subjects about winter thunderstorms will be reviewed.