Tornado Outbreak in the United States on December 11, 2021

2021年12月のアメリカ合衆国の竜巻の事例 大気断面図 Case Studies

Introduction

From December 10 to 11, 2021, numerous tornadoes occurred across the south-central United States.

We visualized the GFS forecast data (12-hour forecast) for that time, corresponding to 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time on December 11, 2021.

Vertical Atmospheric Cross Section Along 40°N (Continental U.S.)

Warm air is observed in the lower levels over the eastern United States, with colder air to the west. This temperature contrast suggests the development of convective storms along the boundary.

Vertical temperature distribution (°C) along 40°N at 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time on December 11, 2021, based on the 12-hour forecast from the NOAA NCEP GFS model.

Vertical distribution of specific humidity (g/kg) along 40°N at 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time on December 11, 2021, based on the 12-hour forecast from the NOAA NCEP GFS model.

Vertical Atmospheric Cross Section Along 40°N (Central–Eastern United States)

A very moist air mass extends over a broad area, with specific humidity exceeding 12 g/kg near the surface, where temperatures are around 18°C.

The wind vectors (arrows), which indicate wind direction and speed, show that strong upward motion is occurring in this region.

Vertical temperature distribution (°C) along 40°N at 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time on December 11, 2021, based on the 12-hour forecast from the NOAA NCEP GFS model.
Vertical distribution of specific humidity (g/kg) along 40°N at 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time on December 11, 2021, based on the 12-hour forecast from the NOAA NCEP GFS model.

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