Observational study of a quasi-stationary mesoscale convective system during extreme rainfall on 8 August 2022 in Korea

Abstract

On 8 August 2022, a quasi-stationary mesoscale convective system (MCS) produced prolonged extreme rainfall (> 100 mm h⁻¹) over the Seoul metropolitan area, Republic of Korea. These organized convective systems, primarily composed of convective components with interspersed stratiform elements, are characterized by the successive local generations of convective cells. This study analyzes data from multiple observational platforms to understand the formation of the MCS and its microphysical evolution. The convective cells were initiated just off the west coast near Seoul, along the boundary between warm and cold air masses. Low-level convergence and favorable environmental conditions, including low lifting condensation level, level of free convection, and large convective available potential energy, facilitated the triggering of these cells. As the cells moved inland, they intensified rapidly due to the land-sea surface-friction contrast. Radar data show that as the MCS matured, reflectivity increased and the differential reflectivity decreased downward above the melting level, indicating the growth of ice crystals and graupels. The evolution of microphysical structure led to increases in both the mean diameter (D_m) and the number concentration (N_T) of raindrops. This observation also suggests that the rainfall intensity was more closely related to the increase in N_T than D_m during the period of heavy downpours. This study improves our understanding of the mesoscale processes related to extreme rainfall in Korea, critical for forecasting local heavy rainfall.