Integrated Multi-Source Observational Analysis of Successive Light Hail and Moderate Rain Showers at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport

This study compares the environmental conditions and hydrometeor characteristics of successive light hail and moderate rain showers produced by two independent convective cells at Guiyang Airport on 11 April 2025. Automatic weather observations, microwave-radiometer retrievals, wind-profiler measurements, C-band dual-polarization radar data, and ERA5 reanalysis were examined. Before the light hail, the positive-buoyancy layer extended through the 0 to −20 °C hail-growth zone, the equilibrium level was above the −20 °C level, and deep-layer shear and storm-relative helicity were stronger. Its intense echo core extended from 2.5 to 5.0 km, and polarimetric and surface observations indicated mixed rain and hail. Before the moderate rain shower, positive buoyancy was shallower, the equilibrium level was below the −20 °C level, and deep-layer dynamical support was weaker. Its intense echo core was concentrated at 1.6–2.5 km, with signatures dominated by liquid raindrops. For this case, precipitation type differed with the vertical alignment of the buoyancy and hail-growth layers and with the persistence of deep-layer dynamical support. Additional cases are needed to test this interpretation.