A study of the rainfall of two synoptic situations

Abstract

The rainfall resulting from the movement of the small depression of 14 March 1949 across the British Isles is analysed in detail by means of the autographic records and rainfall observations maintained for climatological purposes. The most striking features of the rainfall distribution are the result of orographic lifting and are in reasonable accord with theoretical expectation. The main effect of the hills is to intensify the rainfall in the existing rain area, but the duration is also increased in the higher areas. Other features of the rainfall distribution are discussed in relation to Sutcliffe's theory of development.A similar analysis is also made of the rainfall from the warm front of 14 February 1950.