Electrical characteristics of thunderstorms in the Eastern part of India

Measurements of surface electric field made during the Pilot experiment to STORM at Kharagpur, India have been analyzed. During period of observations, i.e., from April 15 to May 31 2006, 14, thunderstorms were observed. Some electrical characteristic features of lighting associated with these thunderstorms are presented here. The electric field pattern shows that large number of negative electric field changes occur during mature stage of thunderstorm indicating removal of negative charge from overhead. Based on the polarity of electric field changes induced by lightning and shape of recovery curves, it is concluded that the most of thunderstorms in this region have positive-dipole type charge structure. These thunderstorms generally exhibit End-Of-Storm-Oscillation (EOSO).

► We present electrical characteristics of thunderstorms over Northeast India.
► Electrical features of lighting associated with these thunderstorm are reported.
► Most of thunderstorms in this region have positive-dipole type charge structure.
► Field changes during mature stage indicate removal of negative charge from overhead.