Cite this article
Devisetty, H., Krishna, U.V.M., Jha, A.K. et al. A case study on overshooting convective storms in the westernghats region– multi-sensor approach. Meteorol Atmos Phys 138, 61 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00703-026-01153-8
Overshooting Convective Storms (OCSs) are powerful weather phenomena that penetrate the tropopause, typically reaching altitudes of 16–20 km in tropical regions. Our study shows that these storms can reach beyond 17.5 km, with intense convection and significant lightning activity. This observational study focuses on an OCS event on 01 June 2018 over the Western Ghats, using data from multiple sensors. The storm exhibited near-surface reflectivity over 55 dBZ and rainfall rates exceeding 100 mm/h. It was associated with large hydrometeors and intra-cloud lightning, with storms having reflectivity greater than 45 dBZ being primary contributors to lightning. ERA5 reanalysis data indicated favorable conditions for storm development, including high Convective Available Potential Energy (~2000 J/kg) and strong updrafts. However, more work is still needed to enhance forecasting skills for predicting lightning and heavy rainfall in complex terrains.