SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF CONVECTIVE PHENOMENA IN THE AREA OF “MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU” INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CONSTANȚA, IN THE PERIOD 2003 – 2022

Andreea BETERINGHE , Adrian IRAȘOC , Nicoleta IONAC

DOI: 10.21163/GT_2026.211.12

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the thermodynamic and environmental conditions associated with convective activity in the vicinity of ”Mihail Kogălniceanu” International Airport in Constanța, Romania, using a combination of ERA5 reanalysis data, radiosonde-derived instability indices, radar observations and multiannual severe-weather reports. Frequency-based analyses of CAPE, CIN, KI and TT for the April-September period (2003-2022) reveal a warm-season environment characterized by moderate to high convective potential, with a maximum CAPE and a minimum CIN occurring predominantly in June-August and during the early afternoon hours. Despite this thermodynamic predisposition, the observed number of cases of thunderstorms, rain showers, hail and squalls remains comparatively low, reflecting the strong moderating influence of the Black Sea, which reduces lapse rates and limits deep convection. The climatological analysis of local phenomena confirms the coastal suppression: thunderstorms, hail and squalls occur infrequently, with marked inter-annual variability but low multiannual averages. A detailed case study on 31 July 2022 illustrates that intense convective systems can still develop when synoptic forcing and thermodynamic profiles align. Radar data documented a multicellular storm producing high reflectivity, elevated VIL values and significant hail signatures, consistent with ESWD ground reports. Overall, the combined results highlight the contrast between the region’s thermodynamic potential for convection and the relatively low occurrence of severe weather, emphasizing the decisive role of coastal boundary-layer processes in shaping convective outcomes.

Keywords: Convective phenomena; Air-instability indices; Airport operation area; Radar, Upper air soundings.

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