Mesoscale Convective Systems in Central Africa: Characteristics of the Associated Seasonal and Diurnal Cycle of Observed Surface Meteorological Parameters

Abstract

This study examines mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in relation to 1‐min automatic weather station data for 2 years over the city of Yaounde. The focus is on characterising the atmospheric variability associated with MCS activity while distinguishing the days with and without MCS activities. This paper aims to determine the diurnal cycles of occurrence frequencies and percentages of rainfall, relative humidity, dew point temperature, solar radiation, temperature, and wind speed for days with and without MCSs. There are more than 623 MCS events during the study period (over 150 events per rainy season). The link between MCS activity and regional‐scale circulation and atmospheric instability is investigated. The diurnal cycle of the number of MCSs shows a maximum in the afternoon (around 1,600–2,200 LT), a morning minimum (around 0700–1,300 LT), and substantial activity during the night. Surface relative humidity is 5% lower on non‐MCS days, surface dew point 2% higher on MCS days between 0700 and 1800 hr, and solar radiation higher on MCS days between 0500 and 1000 hr. The percentage of rainfall associated with MCSs can exceed 60% on an annual scale and up to 80% on a seasonal scale. MCS activity is associated with instability in the lower troposphere, and this convective instability is maximal during the peak of the MCS activity.