Severe convective events in Russia: observed changes based on various data

Changes in the frequency and intensity of severe convective events, including heavy showers, thunderstorms, hail, squalls, and tornadoes are analyzed for the Russian regions for the warm season based on various independent sources of information. Surface observations from Russian meteorological stations for the period 1966–2020 are used to analyze the frequency of thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds, the amount of cumulonimbus clouds, as well as contribution of extreme showers to the total amount of precipitation. Satellite data are used to estimate the frequency and intensity of tornado and squall events that caused windthrow (for 1986–2021) and the deep convection cloud top height (for 2002–2021). Based on the data of the ERA5 reanalysis, the frequency of occurrence of conditions favorable for the development of moderate and intense convective events is analyzed. The results of the analysis highlight a general intensification of severe convective events in the majority of Russian regions except for several regions in the south of European Russia. The frequency of occurrence of moderate events tends to decrease, while those of strong events tend to increase. A general intensification of severe convective events in Russia is also confirmed by the available results of regional studies in this research area.