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WX MODEL 10: Model Convergence

METEOROLOGIST JEFF HABY

Convergence of air occurs when air streams collide. This can be winds flowing into each other or stronger wind moving into weaker wind. The convergence that will be written about here is surface convergence. Convergence is common along fronts, near low pressure centers and where winds change direction and/or speed over distance. Surface convergence is important since it is a lifting mechanism that can initiate precipitation development.

The model image below shows surface convergence in the black outline over northern Texas. There is a crash of air mass occurring in this region (cold air to north and warm air to south). The wind vectors flowing toward each other will cause convergence to occur. This is convergence occurring along a cold front and developing low pressure system. This will be a favored region for precipitation development.