Abstract

The impact of climate and weather on human existence is of utmost importance, as it shapes several aspects, such as human evolution, migration patterns, and social progress. Observing and comprehending precipitation patterns, especially the diurnal cycle, are imperative for effectively managing everyday activities. This study thoroughly examines diurnal precipitation patterns in tropical and subtropical regions through the utilization of a parametric approach based on the bimodal von Mises distribution. The research effectively creates a spatial classification criterion for diurnal precipitation, offering a simple but helpful tool for meteorological and climatological investigations. It helps identify the spatial extents of convective and stratiform precipitations and reveals the physical mechanisms behind the precipitation, such as over the complex mountaintop terrains. The user-friendliness and capacity to elucidate the bimodal characteristics of diurnal precipitation patterns also render this criterion a significant asset for academia and practitioners.