Characterization of the diurnal cycle of maximum rainfall in tropical cyclones

In general, and across all scales, we find that there are mainly two cycles of maximum TC-rainfall: one diurnal cycle with peaks at ∼10 and ∼22 h (local time), and one semi-diurnal cycle with peaks at ∼2 and ∼5 h (local time). Although in a smaller proportion, the latter exhibits a weak afternoon alternative, i.e., ∼14 and ∼18 h (local time).