TITLE:
An Assessment of Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Thunder Storms in Iran
AUTHORS:
Gholam Abbas Fallah Ghalhari, Fahimeh Shakeri
KEYWORDS:
Thunderstorm, Temporal and Spatial Distribution, Present Weather Codes, Iran
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geographic Information System,
Vol.7 No.2,
April
3,
2015
ABSTRACT: The main purpose of this
study is to investigate temporal and spatial distribution of thunderstorm
frequency in Iran. In order to do study, observed statistical data of the
present weather codes of thunderstorm (17, 29, 91 - 99) in 50 synoptic stations
around the country were used in a 35 years statistic period (1979-2013). The
results of the study showed that the phenomenon occurs mostly in southwest,
west and northwest regions of Iran. Thunderstorm occurrence reduces when moving
toward east. Maku station in northwest of Iran shows the maximum thunderstorm
frequency during the statistical period (mean annual of 31). Jask station in
southern Iran (mean annual of 2) has shown minimum thunderstorm occurrence
during the statistical period. In the eastern regions of Iran, Torbat Heydarieh
station revealed higher frequency than the other stations which was because of
high mountains like Qaenat. In terms of temporal distribution, spring showed
the highest frequency of the phenomenon. In monthly scale, the maximum
frequency of hail downfall happens in April and May. In hourly scale, the
maximum occurrence of thunderstorm observed at 12 - 18 p.m. for UTC time.