Lightning Induced Changes in Rain Microphysics

Abstract

Lightning, a significant extreme weather phenomena, is linked to heavy convective rain and thunderstorms, yet its influence on precipitation characteristics, particularly in tropical regions, is not well understood. This study examines the change in rain microphysics prior and postlightning event in Central India on May 3-4, 2023, influenced by western disturbances. ERA-5 synoptic data showed temperature and humidity spikes during lightning, while INSAT-3D Cloud Top Temperature (CTT) and Cloud Particle Effective Radius (CER) data indicated vertically developed thunderstorm clouds with large cloud droplets, supporting both heavy precipitation and lightning occurrences. A Laser Precipitation Monitor (LPM) and Micro Rain Radar (MRR) were used to analyze the rain microstructure. It is observed that larger raindrops with higher concentration before lightning strikes and smaller raindrops with higher concentration afterward. The Drop Size Distribution (DSD) analysis from MRR reveals that pre-lightning conditions exhibit higher concentrations of smaller droplets at all altitudes, with pronounced peaks at 0.2 to 0.4 mm. Post-lightning conditions show a significant reduction in small droplet concentration, particularly at higher altitudes, indicating lightning's impact on cloud microphysics and precipitation processes. These results emphasize the need for further research on lightning's impact on rain microphysics to enhance our understanding of the governing microphysical processes. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.