mesoscale

meteorology

Also known as: MCS

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

In meteorology, mesoscale refers to phenomena of intermediate size, specifically those ranging from approximately 10 to 1,000 kilometers (6 to 600 miles) in horizontal extent. These weather systems have lifetimes typically on the order of a day or less.123

Mesoscale phenomena are distinct from larger, planetary-scale systems and smaller, local winds. In this scale class, vertical motions can be as significant as horizontal movement, and the Coriolis force may play a lesser role or even be neglected.3

Common examples of mesoscale weather systems include thunderstorms, tornadoes, squall lines, and mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). These systems are crucial for detailed weather forecasting and are studied using specialized mesoscale numerical prediction models.24

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climate
Scale classes
Known as the mesoscale, this class is characterized by spatial dimensions of ten to a few hundred kilometres and lifetimes of a day or less. Because of the shorter time scale and because the other forces may be much larger, the effect of the Coriolis force in mesoscale…
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Known as the mesoscale, this class is characterized by spatial dimensions of ten to a few hundred kilometres and lifetimes of a day or less. Because of the shorter time scale and because the other forces may be much larger, the effect of the Coriolis force in mesoscale…
Read More

climate
The effect of vegetation patchiness on mesoscale climates
…contributes to the development of mesoscale (20 to 200 km [12 to 120 miles]) circulation in the atmosphere (see Upper-level winds: Characteristics). For example, when creating models for forecasting atmospheric conditions on the Great Plains and along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, the mix of land cover and…
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…contributes to the development of mesoscale (20 to 200 km [12 to 120 miles]) circulation in the atmosphere (see Upper-level winds: Characteristics). For example, when creating models for forecasting atmospheric conditions on the Great Plains and along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, the mix of land cover and…
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thunderstorm
Multiple-cell thunderstorms and mesoscale convective systems
…to be associated with a mesoscale disturbance (a weather system of intermediate size, that is, 10 to 1,000 km [6 to 600 miles] in horizontal extent). Multiple-cell storms have several updrafts and downdrafts in close proximity to one another. They occur in clusters of cells in various stages of development…
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…to be associated with a mesoscale disturbance (a weather system of intermediate size, that is, 10 to 1,000 km [6 to 600 miles] in horizontal extent). Multiple-cell storms have several updrafts and downdrafts in close proximity to one another. They occur in clusters of cells in various stages of development…
Read More