X-band multi-parameter radars observation on the stratiformed precipitating system associated with an extratropical cyclone hitting the Pacific coast on Japan in winter season

Abstract

On 18 February 2013, the stratiformed precipitating system associated with an extratropical cyclone hitting the Pacific coast on Japan covered Shizuoka region and Kofu basin, which was observed by X-band multi-parameter radars. From the observation of X-band multi-parameter radars, on Kofu Basin, the brightband appeared near the surface and ascended, so that the condition of precipitation changed snowfall to rainfall. Then, the brightband height decreased gradually from Shizuoka region to Kofu Basin. Above them, it is suggested as follows; the height variation of brightband contributed to the determination of precipitating condition at surface (e.g. rainfall or snowfall), and the brightband observation by X-band multi-parameter radars installed in a low altitude site is important for the simple classification of rainfall and snowfall in the stratiformed precipitating system.