During HEAT, electrical data sets will be collected primarily using the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) and a lightning-mapping array (LMA). The lightning-mapping array will be used to gather three-dimensional total lightning information near Houston. For proposed locations of the array stations, see section 5.6.1. Occasionally, atmospheric electric field measurements will be obtained via balloon soundings. Balloon-borne soundings will also be launched to collect atmospheric variables, such as temperature, moisture, and winds. Additionally, tethered atmospheric observation systems (TAOS) will make these types of observations, and wind profilers will be used to record lower atmospheric winds. Mobile sounding units may be deployed during peak operation times to collect soundings near the storms. Surface observations will be made via a mesonetwork of surface observation stations. This mesonet will be composed of TNRCC and ASOS observation sites. The mesonet will measure atmospheric conditions and aerosol characteristics. Additionally, the University of Wyoming King Air and the WMI Lear Jet aircraft will monitor aerosol, chemical and cloud characteristics in-situ. The CSU-CHILL and the NCAR S-Pol will provide dual polarimetric Doppler radar coverage over the Houston area. When possible the KHGX WSR-88D radar at League City, TX may be used to provide triple Doppler analysis. For approximate locations of the stationary observation facilities see figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1. Approximate locations of CSU-CHILL polarimetric radar, S-Pol polarimetric radar, NWS WSR-88D radar, upper air site, TAOS sites, and wind profiler sites. The Houston metro area is outlined in red. The box depicts the region in which storms are defined as 'urban.' Green lines depict major roadways in the SE Texas region.