In the frame of FLASH project it has been proposed the use of lightning data to better nowcast (3-hour prediction) and forecast (24-48 hour prediction) the location, intensity and timing of heavy convective precipitation events. For this, it was attempted to develop rainfall-lightning relationships using lightning and precipitation data sets in the Mediterranean region, and to use lightning information in conjunction with infrared / microwave observations from geostationary / low Earth orbiting satellites to improve cloud characterization, convection detection and precipitation retrieval from space. With the help of cloud and meso- scale models numerous cases studies of past flash flood events in Europe have been simulated to better understand the connection between intense precipitation and lightning activity. The rainfall estimates for past and future floods have been used as input into hydrology models to investigate the ability to predict regions of flooding on the ground, together with the time lags between heavy rainfall and flooding. Moreover, algorithms for short-term nowcasting have been developed, to allow for the short-term flash flood warnings via the internet for the entire Mediterranean region, and perhaps later Europe. Furthermore, using assimilated lightning data in mesoscale meteorological models the possibility of improving the 24-48 hour forecasts of severe precipitation events has been investigated.

Scientist in Charge: LAGOUVARDOS, Project Type: EUROPEAN