Weather Tidbits: Mesoscale Convective Systems

In this edition of weather tidbits, we are going to be discussing mesoscale convective systems in this edition of Weather Tidbits. Mesoscale convective systems, or MCS, are a collection of thunderstorms that merge and act as one system. They can last over 12 hours and travel hundreds of miles. They typically form via individual  thunderstorms that eventually merge, and can typically strengthen and reach peak intensity during the nighttime provided the airmass the complex interacts with is warm and humid. An MSC feeds off of a warm and humid air mass at the surface, a strong jet stream inflow aloft, usually in a northwest to southeast orientation, and a clash with cooler and drier air to the north. They produce vivid lightning, wind gusts over 80 mph, and torrential downpours. A satellite view will show cold cloud tops on the infrared as well as an expansive cloud shield.