1. What is THETA-E? THETA-E (Equivalent Potential Temperature) is the temperature that results after all latent heat is released in a parcel of air and the then brought adiabatically to the 1000 mb level. THETA-E increases as dewpoint and/or temperature increases. 2. How is THETA-E determined? First determine the pressure level of interest. Locate the temperature and dewpoint at that pressure level. Raise that parcel adiabatically from that pressure level to the 200-mb level. Next, bring the parcel down dry adiabatically to the 1000 mb level. The temperature once the parcel is at 1000 mb is the THETA-E. 3. Operational significance of THETA-E: INSTABILITY- A region with a relatively high THETA-E is often the region with the most instability. Warmer low level temperatures and higher low level dewpoints increase instability. LOW LEVEL JET- A low level jet from a moisture source will often bring in higher THETA-E values and thus increased instability. THETA-E RIDGE- These are regions with higher THETA-E. They are often the burst point for convective activity. 4. Pitfalls: a. If a strong cap is in place, convective storms will not occur even if THETA-E is high. |