Feldmann et al. (2025) A pan-European analysis of large-scale drivers of severe convective outbreaks

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Identification

• Journal: Repository for Publications and Research Data (ETH Zurich)
• Year: 2025
• Date: 2025-10-20
• Authors: Feldmann, Monika, Domeisen, Daniela I.V., Martius, Olivia
• DOI: 10.3929/ethz-c-000786280

Research Groups

Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Short Summary

This study systematically analyzes continental-scale atmospheric and land-surface conditions preceding widespread severe convective outbreaks in Europe, revealing distinct regional dynamical and thermodynamic patterns that drive these events.

Objective

• To systematically analyze the continental-scale atmospheric and land-surface conditions in the days leading up to widespread severe convective outbreaks in Europe using reanalysis data, thereby linking synoptic-scale predictability to convective-scale hazards.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Continental-scale (Europe), with regional analysis focusing on areas spanning thousands of square kilometres.
• Temporal Scale: Days leading up to severe convective outbreaks.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Not explicitly stated, but reanalysis data implies the use of atmospheric models for data generation.
• Data sources: Reanalysis data.

Main Results

• Europe was divided into distinct regions that frequently experience severe convective outbreaks on the same day.
• Each identified region exhibits unique dynamical and thermodynamic patterns preceding an outbreak.
• Colder regions north of the Alps are associated with synoptic-scale upper-level wave patterns and strong temperature anomalies, indicating temperature-limited convection.
• Drier regions of eastern Europe are characterized by greater moisture anomalies preceding severe convection.
• Regions bordering the Mediterranean show weaker upper-level flow anomalies, suggesting that their climate is inherently more favorable for convection, requiring less additional upper-level contribution.

Contributions

• Provides a systematic analysis of continental-scale atmospheric and land-surface drivers for widespread severe convective outbreaks in Europe.
• Links synoptic-scale predictability to convective-scale hazards, addressing persistent forecasting and impact assessment challenges.
• Identifies and characterizes distinct regional dynamical and thermodynamic patterns that precede severe convective outbreaks across Europe.

Funding

Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Citation

@article{Feldmann2025panEuropean,
  author = {Feldmann, Monika and Domeisen, Daniela I.V. and Martius, Olivia},
  title = {A pan-European analysis of large-scale drivers of severe convective outbreaks},
  journal = {Repository for Publications and Research Data (ETH Zurich)},
  year = {2025},
  doi = {10.3929/ethz-c-000786280},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-c-000786280}
}