The thermodynamic conditions of Cumulunimbus (Cb) and Nimbustratus (Ns) cloudiness development and precipitation formation in Pelotas city were studied using NCEP (National Centers for Environmental Prediction, Washington) data for standard levels and conventional meteorological data. The frequency of the Cb and Ns cloudiness during three years and for each seasons was analyzed. Stability indexes (Showalter, lifted, K and standard totals-totals) and the convective available potential energy were calculated. Five types of vertical profiles of temperature and humidity for days with Cb and Ns clouds were identified through radiosonde data over Porto Alegre and NCEP analysis. The results of the atmospheric instability analysis are presented and problems envolving the Cb and Ns cloudiness forecasting, using the stability indexes, are discussed.
Cb and Ns cloudiness; atmospheric instability; weather forecast
