Strong modulations on the Bay of Bengal monsoon onset vortex by the first northward-propagating intra-seasonal oscillation

It is identified here that all historical OVs occurred during the convection-enhanced phase of the first northward-propagating intra-seasonal oscillation (FNISO). The individual contributions from the four large scale environmental fields associated with the intra-seasonal variations to the cyclone genesis are diagnosed with the aid of the genesis potential index.

The significant moistening of mid-level atmosphere, which is embedded in the FNISO convection-enhanced phase, is shown to be the primary factor leading to the cyclone genesis. The water vapor budget analysis is further done to understand the governing process for the mid-level humidity increase. It is clearly seen that the vertical advection process, dominated by the anomalous vertical advection of the mean vertical water vapor gradient, plays the critical role.