[Scotland/Alba Regional Weather Discussion 16/03/2018 Onwards]

3 hours ago, Paul said:

The most likely explanation is anaprop (false radar echoes) caused by the wind farm rather than rain.

There's more on this here

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/binaries/content/assets/mohippo/pdf/j/h/fact_sheet_no._15.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjUvcWTu7HfAhUqSxUIHZXsDWQQFjAAegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw0oWfH_DNINCfxbAPOCWUtM

Thanks for the link. I'm aware of the false radar echos which can be occasionally generated, however this location really doesn't show up at all different unless there is moist air close to dewpoint being pushed through it . The most apparent intensity comes with the "low density pale blue" returns as they pass through this  location from west to east.  Cheers.

 

[Scotland/Alba Regional Weather Discussion 16/03/2018 Onwards]

I've been following  Weather Radar for a few years and find it invaluable for checking what is coming next in the way of rain.

Today on a couple of occasions I've seen some unexpectedly intense rainfall in North east Ayrshire.  I captured the rainfall as sequential still images and patched them into a short video.

The area of intense rainfall is South of East Kilbride and East of Kilmarnock. Typically 200- 270metres elevation. Temperature and Dewpoint about 6C - humidity probably>90%. Moderate West wind

The Arran hills to the west at 400-800m do not generate anything like the same intensity, nor those between Largs and Greenock. What is going on?

The high intensity rainfall is happening where the largest onshore UK windfarm is situated - Whitelee with well over 200 Turbines.

https://www.scottishpower.co.uk/whitelee/

I think this is a case of power generation actually altering local weather. Probably the turbulence from the turbines is resulting in mixing air masses close to the dew point. Enough to cause intense rain. 

I thought windfarms were claimed to have no effect on anything?  However watch this patch of Scotland and see how it pans out.

Interesting stuff?