Characteristics of mesoscale convective systems during the warm season over the <scp>Tibetan Plateau</scp> based on <scp>FY</scp> ‐2 satellite datasets

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) often cause heavy precipitation events during the warm season over Tibetan Plateau (TP). By using 1-hr gridded data sets with resolution of 0.1° × from geostationary satellites Fengyun-2 series (FY-2C/2E), characteristics MCSs TP (May–August) 2005 to 2012 are analysed. Based on objective criteria, can be divided into six categories, namely mesoscale convection complexes (MCCs), persistent elongated (PECSs), meso-β circular (MβCCSs), (MβECSs), smaller (SMβCCSs), as well (SMβECSs). The results show that there 1,465 occurring seasons 2005–2012, and most occur in a banded area around 30°N two high-frequency centres. frequency reaches maximum July, followed by August June, while lowest occurs May. centre is located northern part May, moves southward central southern June August. 82.3% belong out which MβECSs account for most. have significant diurnal variations, usually initiate at 1700 LST (LST, = UTC + 8 hr), then develop reach maturity 2000 LST, weaken dissipate 2200 LST. life cycles characterized slow growth rapid weakening. larger scale is, longer duration will be.