Analysis and Numerical Simulation of a Spring Snow Process in Northern Hubei

Using the nonhydrostatic WRF model,the mesoscale snowfall system and 3D distribution of microphysics of unusual snowfall with thunderstorm and hailstone happened in Xiangfan,Hubei Province during 13-14 April 2010 are simulated and analyzed.The results show that the WRF model successfully simulated the snowfall distributions with two centers at Xiangfan and Yichang,respectively.The northwest dry cold move southward which cause environmental temperature decreasing and convection development within the shear-zone in the middle reaches of Yellow and Yangtze Rivers,the high humidity and sufficient vapor transport in lower level are important for the snowfall formation.