What Is Effective Shear?
A measure of wind shear that adjusts to the depth of the storm, so it works for tall storms and elevated storms alike. About 40 knots or more favors supercells. In technical terms: The bulk wind difference from the base of the effective inflow layer to 50 percent of the most-unstable parcel's equilibrium level height; values of 25-40 kt support supercells, and over 40 kt strongly favor them.
Also called: Effective Bulk Shear, EBWD
Effective Shear In Plain English
A measure of wind shear that adjusts to the depth of the storm, so it works for tall storms and elevated storms alike. About 40 knots or more favors supercells.
The Technical Definition
The bulk wind difference from the base of the effective inflow layer to 50 percent of the most-unstable parcel's equilibrium level height; values of 25-40 kt support supercells, and over 40 kt strongly favor them.
