Climatology of precipitation and clouds over Tropics
(180W-180E 20S-20N)

General info Precipitation System properties Cloud Seasonal variation Diurnal variation Vertical Structure Extreme events

Precipitation geographical distribution Over Tropics , mean annual precipitation are estimated with 1221.2 (mm/year) from precipitation radar, and 1192.4 (mm/year) from microwave radiometer observations. (see high resolution precipitation product , NOTE: it may take long time to generate for large area) In total, thunderstorms (systems with detected lightning flashes) contribute 27 %, MCSs (Mesoscale convective systems with raining area > 2000 km^2) contribute 70 % of all precipitation. Precipitation seasonal and diurnal variation Seasonal and diurnal variations of rainfall over Tropics are shown in following figure. You may check the details of rainfall contributions from precipitation systems with different sizes and intensities in various seasons and at different local times.