We analyse the evolution of convective diagnostics such as mixed-layer convective available potential energy (CAPE), level of neutral buoyancy and precipitation rate as a function of lead time in the model uncertainty model-intercomparison project. Four model physics packages are exposed to common dynamics to form a large single-column model dataset. We analyse tendencies in an equatorial band over the Indian Ocean out to 6 hr lead time over one month. We prescribe dynamics and initial conditions from an ICON-DYAMOND simulation after coarse-graining to 0.2 degrees. The physics suites represent state-of-the-art global numerical weather and climate prediction models.</p> <p>Correlation analysis shows that the spatial mean change of CAPE is not associated with precipitation rate, but it correlates very well with mean mixed-layer drying across our suites. This systematic drying occurs below 700 hPa in some suites, especially in the first hour. The sub-grid physics adjusts the initialised ICON state towards the native climate of each physics suite, in particular at low levels.</p> <p>We apply a column-by-column empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis to a two-layer representation of physics and dynamics tendencies, CAPE tendency and precipitation rate. The first EOF is associated with free-tropospheric tendencies and nearly all precipitation variability, with neat compensation between physics and dynamics tendencies. The second and third EOFs of each suite indicate that a imbalance between these terms in the mixed-layer correlates with the CAPE change at least one of them, which are explained by temperature and humidity adjustments, but with little imprint on precipitation.