Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1257
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1257
06 May 2024
 | 06 May 2024

Dynamic and thermodynamic contribution to the October 2019 exceptional rainfall in West Central Africa

Kevin Kenfack, Francesco Marra, Zéphirin Yepdo Djomou, Lucie A. Djiotang Tchotchou, Alain T. Tamoffo, and Derbetini A. Vondou

Abstract. Exceptional rainfall hit West Central Africa in October 2019. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we diagnosed the regional moisture and Moist Static Energy (MSE) budgets with a view to highlighting the importance of the dynamic and thermodynamic effects associated with this historic event. Analysis of the moisture budget reveals that the precipitation anomalies in October were mainly controlled by dynamic effects (72.5 % of the sum of dynamic and thermodynamic contributions). Horizontal moisture advection induced by horizontal wind anomalies controls extreme precipitation north of West Central Africa, while vertical moisture advection induced by vertical velocity anomalies controls extreme precipitation south of West Central Africa. Changes in the thermodynamic effect, although not the key factor responsible for the events of October 2019, contribute up to 27.5 % of the total effect. Diagnosis of the MSE balance shows that the anomalous vertical motion is dominated by the dynamic effect, i.e. the wet enthalpy advection induced by the horizontal wind anomalies. The horizontal advection of the MSE induced by the variation of the wet enthalpy and the vertical advection of the MSE induced by the variation of the MSE seem less important. The variations in the MSE balance are linked to its meridional component, in particular the meridional wind anomalies in the dynamic effect and the meridional variations in latent heat in the thermodynamic effect. This is due to the increase in sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Atlantic, associated with the anomalous thermal depression over the Sahara, which has increased rainfall over West Central Africa. Our results suggest that dynamic and thermodynamic effects should be jointly considered for adequately anticipating this kind of extreme event. Understanding the associated mechanisms could help us improve our projections and increase the region's population resilience to these extreme weather events.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

12 Nov 2024
Dynamic and thermodynamic contribution to the October 2019 exceptional rainfall in western central Africa
Kevin Kenfack, Francesco Marra, Zéphirin Yepdo Djomou, Lucie Angennes Djiotang Tchotchou, Alain Tchio Tamoffo, and Derbetini Appolinaire Vondou
Weather Clim. Dynam., 5, 1457–1472, https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-5-1457-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-5-1457-2024, 2024
Short summary
Kevin Kenfack, Francesco Marra, Zéphirin Yepdo Djomou, Lucie A. Djiotang Tchotchou, Alain T. Tamoffo, and Derbetini A. Vondou

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1257', Anonymous Referee #1, 03 Jun 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Kevin Kenfack, 13 Jul 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1257', Anonymous Referee #2, 20 Jun 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Kevin Kenfack, 13 Jul 2024

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1257', Anonymous Referee #1, 03 Jun 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Kevin Kenfack, 13 Jul 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1257', Anonymous Referee #2, 20 Jun 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Kevin Kenfack, 13 Jul 2024

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Kevin Kenfack on behalf of the Authors (17 Jul 2024)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (30 Jul 2024) by Martin Singh
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (19 Aug 2024)
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (19 Aug 2024)
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (21 Aug 2024) by Martin Singh
AR by Kevin Kenfack on behalf of the Authors (27 Aug 2024)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (13 Sep 2024) by Martin Singh
AR by Kevin Kenfack on behalf of the Authors (14 Sep 2024)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

12 Nov 2024
Dynamic and thermodynamic contribution to the October 2019 exceptional rainfall in western central Africa
Kevin Kenfack, Francesco Marra, Zéphirin Yepdo Djomou, Lucie Angennes Djiotang Tchotchou, Alain Tchio Tamoffo, and Derbetini Appolinaire Vondou
Weather Clim. Dynam., 5, 1457–1472, https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-5-1457-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-5-1457-2024, 2024
Short summary
Kevin Kenfack, Francesco Marra, Zéphirin Yepdo Djomou, Lucie A. Djiotang Tchotchou, Alain T. Tamoffo, and Derbetini A. Vondou
Kevin Kenfack, Francesco Marra, Zéphirin Yepdo Djomou, Lucie A. Djiotang Tchotchou, Alain T. Tamoffo, and Derbetini A. Vondou

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Short summary
The results of this study show that moisture advection induced by horizontal wind anomalies and vertical moisture advection induced by vertical velocity anomaly were crucial mechanisms on the anomalous October 2019 exceptional rainfall increase over West Central Africa. The information we derive can be used to support risk assessment and management in the region and to improve our resilience to the ongoing climate change.