Study of the influence of local meteorology on the atmospheric potential gradient

The influence of local meteorology on the atmospheric electric field (potential gradient, PG) is examined using 10 years of measurements (January 2012 to December 2021) at Xanthi, northeastern Greece. Seven meteorological parameters that influence PG are examined using a multiple linear regression model to estimate the relationship between these parameters and fair-weather PG. The parameters analyzed for their influence are wind speed, specific humidity, temperature, pressure, aerosol optical depth (AOD), cloud cover (CC), and water vapor column (WV). Data for AOD, CC, and WV were retrieved from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Significant influence of specific humidity and wind speed on fair-weather PG is found. During two sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events, it is found that the predicted fair-weather PG by the meteorological parameters, was significantly lower than the observed fair-weather PG, indicating a possible influence of SSW on the global electric circuit. In addition, rain, hail, and snow events were examined on how they affect PG over time as they occur. It is found that the frequency distribution of PG changes non-monotonically during these events. • Study of seven meteorological parameters on their influence on Potential Gradient (PG) using a multiple linear regression model. • Observed fair-weather PG was higher than normal during the SSW event. • Significant influence of specific humidity and wind speed on fair-weather PG. • Differentiation of 1-s PG values on seemingly similar rain, snow and hail events.