Stratiform and convective rain discrimination for equatorial region

This paper presents the application of the Lowered EXCELL model to discriminate between stratiform and convective precipitation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which is located in the equatorial region. The model generates two longterm cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) that separately account for the two different types of rain, based on the input rainfall statistics reflecting the local climatology. The aim of this paper is to present the applicability of the model in equatorial climates. The model performance in estimating stratiform and convective CDFs is carried out using 3 years of time series of rainfall intensity data collected in Kuala Lumpur by a disdrometer. The stratiform and convective rain rate CDFs are finally shown to be well predicted by the Lowered EXCELL model. Hence, the outcome of this paper seems encouraging for further application of the model to improve the prediction of rain attenuation for satellite communication, especially in equatorial region.