Ground-Based Observations of an Unprecedented Rainfall Event Over Indore, India: A Multi-Instrument Approach

Ground-based instruments play a very crucial role in accurately measuring the actual precipitation falling over the surface, especially during severe precipitation events. The present analysis offers a thorough description of the record-breaking extremely heavy rainfall event occurring over central India during September 15–17, 2023 since 1958. This study utilizes data, collected from various state-of-the-art instruments (Automatic Weather Station (AWS), Laser Precipitation Monitor (LPM), Ceilometer installed at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore and C-Band DWR installed at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India). The event continued for nearly 36 hours, resulting in approximately 260 mm of rainfall with a maximum rain rate reaching up to 180 mm per hour. During the heavy rain event, the instruments recorded the rain microphysical properties, cloud cover, and meteorological conditions concurrently. The spatiotemporal radar reflectivity revealed a convective system evolving towards Southwest Madhya Pradesh. The study enhances preparedness for extreme weather events and provides valuable insights into the meteorological conditions during these occurrences. Additionally, it underscores the importance of an integrated multi-instrument approach for accurate forecasting and nowcasting of such exceptional rainfall events.