Elevated convection

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-000846",
  "term": "Elevated convection",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "Convective activity that initiates and develops above a stable boundary layer, rather than originating from the surface. This type of convection is often driven by conditional instability aloft and can produce precipitation and thunderstorms, even in the absence of surface heating. It is frequently observed in environments with warm air advection over a cooler, stable air mass.",
    "Convection occurring within an elevated layer, i.e., a layer in which the lowest portion is based above the earth's surface. Elevated convection often occurs when air near the ground is relatively cool and stable, e.g., during periods of isentropic lift, when an unstable layer of air is present aloft.\n\nIn cases of elevated convection, stability indices based on near-surface measurements (such as the lifted index) typically will underestimate the amount of instability present. Severe weather is possible from elevated convection, but is less likely than it is with surface-based convection."
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/elevated-convection/"
}