Cloud-to-Ground Lightning in Cities: Seasonal Variability and Influential Factors

• DOI: 10.1007/s41748-024-00372-6
• Publication Date: 2024-02-12T10:05:33Z
• Authors: Ashraf Dewan; K. M. Ashraful Islam; Muhammad Esmat Enan; Tanzim Rahman Fariha; M. Rafiuddin; Mohammed Sarfaraz...
• Keywords: Lightning

Abstract Urban-induced land use changes have a significant impact on local weather patterns, leading to increased hydro-meteorological hazards in cities. Despite substantial threats posed humans, understanding atmospheric related urbanisation, such as thunderstorms, lightning, and convective precipitation, remains unclear. This study aims analyse seasonal variability of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning the five large metropolitans Bangladesh utilising six years (2015–2020) Global Lightning Detection Network (popularly known GLD360) data. It also investigates factors influencing CG strokes. The analysis revealed fluctuations strokes, with noticeable increase activity during pre-monsoon months from upwind metropolitan areas across Both season location appear diurnal strokes these urban centres. Bivariate regression indicated that precipitation particulate matter (PM) significantly influence generation, whilst population density, size, mean surface temperature negligible effects. A sensitivity test employing random forest (RF) model underscored pivotal role PM four cities assessed, highlighting enduring extreme pollution activity. low causalities risk property damage high environments. provides valuable insights for shaping public policies Bangladesh, globally recognised climate hotspot.