Journal Article
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 118, iss. 43, 2021
Authors
Huancui Hu, L. Ruby Leung, Zhe Feng
Abstract
Significance
Soil moisture can significantly influence precipitation through soil moisture–precipitation feedback. Previous studies of soil moisture–precipitation feedback focused on the total precipitation, confounding the distinct roles of different storm types. Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are the largest form of deep convective storms, contributing 30 to 70% of warm-season rainfall in the central United States. Using unique datasets of MCS and non-MCS rains and soil moisture sourced from these rains, analyses revealed the dominant role of early warm-season (April to June) MCS rainfall in summer (July) MCS and non-MCS rainfall through positive and negative soil moisture–precipitation feedback, respectively. These results underscore the importance of understanding and modeling MCSs in the significant grain growing region of the central United States.
