Properties of Positive Narrow Bipolar Events Observed in South‐Eastern France

Abstract Narrow bipolar events (NBEs) are brief intracloud discharges that generate the most intense radiation in the high frequency and very high frequency radio bands. Their occurrence is statistically correlated with strong convection and typically takes place in the upper regions of thunderclouds. This study presents the first detailed analysis of NBEs detected in Europe. Thirty‐five positive discharges, with an average peak current of 43 kA, were recorded in 2022 using broadband magnetic loop sensors at two locations in South‐Eastern France. Examination of the NBE pulse waveforms revealed that NBEs with stronger peak currents consistently exhibited narrower pulses. Similarity of pulse shapes of NBEs occurring close in time and space (within a few minutes and a few km apart) might indicate the similarity of the underlying charge structure in the thundercloud. One fourth of the studied NBEs occurred isolated not initiating a lightning flash. Most events occurred over land at the periphery of convective cores near the edges of the coldest thundercloud regions across all analyzed storms. The observed positive NBEs share characteristics with those reported on other continents. However, the severe storm conditions—especially the vertical cloud development required for their occurrence—may be less frequent in midlatitudes in Europe, resulting in a lower probability of NBE detection.