4. Forecast Applications

Convection » Severe Thunderstorms Type IV Sounding (Inverted-V)

Type 4 conceptual sounding for predicting severe weather; Inverted V

This sounding type is characterized by a relatively dry, well-mixed lower layer, with RH increasing with height, giving the appearance of an "inverted V." It is commonly observed during the summer season over the High Plains of the U.S. and the mountain and plateau regions of the Western U.S. It is typically associated with high-based thunderstorms with vigorous, evaporatively driven downdrafts and microbursts.