The Profiling of Winter Storms (PLOWS) field program is focused on obtaining a greater understanding of the mesoscale structure and dynamics of cyclonic weather systems and the improvement of 0-48 hr cool season quantitative precipitation forecasts. Variability in the location, type, and intensity of precipitation is often determined by precipitation banding and/or embedded convection, particularly in the northwest and warm frontal quadrant in cyclones where frontal structures and associated frontal circulations are modified by deformation flow.
The field campaign is comprised of two field seasons. The first took place from 7 February to 31 March 2009 (PLOWS 2008-2009) and the second will take place 1 November to 15 December 2009 and 15 January to 28 February 2010 (PLOWS 2009-2010). PLOWS is a mobile project focused on the Midwestern United States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin).
A number of research observational systems are taking part in PLOWS:
PLOWS will address the following research issues:
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