Climatology of Convective Precipitation Systems Over the Arabian Peninsula Using Object‐Tracking

ABSTRACT The Arabian Peninsula (AP) is an arid region characterised by scarce precipitation with high temporal and spatial variability. Considerable research has predominantly focused on investigating precipitation in the AP from an Eulerian perspective. However, our understanding of the development and lifecycle of precipitation systems from a Lagrangian viewpoint over the AP remains limited. This study seeks to fill the gap by implementing an object‐tracking algorithm to the Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG; version 07) data to identify convective precipitation systems. The tracking algorithm utilises particle image velocimetry and overlap techniques. Furthermore, we apply hierarchical clustering to the system properties to reveal hidden types and underlying physical mechanisms. Our results indicate three distinct types of convective precipitation systems. Summer systems are found over the southern AP with the lowest propagation speed; they include systems modulated by the Indian Summer Monsoon and topography. Spring systems extend across mid to southern regions with the longest lifetime, greatest rain intensity and volume, and furthest travel distances. The interaction between moist tropical air masses and extratropical cyclones modulates this type. Lastly, winter systems are confined to the northern AP with the highest propagation speed; these are predominantly influenced by midlatitude cyclones. Long‐lived systems have higher intensities, cover larger areas, and experience more merging and splitting than short‐lived systems. Systems lasting up to 24 h show a typical convective lifecycle wherein the order of peaks is precipitation, volume, and area. Summer and spring systems typically develop in the early afternoon, while winter systems often initiate in the late evening. Summer systems usually cease by late afternoon, whereas winter and spring systems tend to dissipate around midnight. These findings enhance our understanding of convective systems over the AP and open new avenues for weather forecasting, flash‐flood modelling, and examining these systems' response to climate change.