This session aims to cover the broad range of interests associated with atmospheric convection, with a strong emphasis on its representation in the newest generation of regional models at very-high spatial resolution (<4km), which allows for the explicit treatment of convection. In particular, such convection-permitting models (CPMs) have been shown to improve both the diurnal cycle and spatial pattern of convective precipitation, as well as the representation of precipitation extremes. Furthermore, CPM simulations can show important differences in climate feedback mechanisms and climate change signals compared to traditional simulations with parameterized deep convection. CPMs thus offer a promising tool to provide critical information to decision makers and stakeholders, especially in areas at risk of convective extremes and mountainous regions.

This session also brings together the remote sensing community, cloud physicists, numerical modellers and forecasters with the aim of advancing current understanding of convection in general, including convective storm life cycles and organization of convection, with new statistical observation and modelling approaches. A particular goal of the session is to encourage examination of interactions between convection and other atmospheric phenomena, e.g, boundary layers, cloud physics, and radiation. Studies on parameterization development are also welcome.