Bow echo
Bow echo is a term for mesoscale convective system which is shaped like an archer's bow when shown on radar. Bow echoes are severe thunderstorms which carry straight line winds and are capable of creating extensive damage around the area affected. The term "bow echo" was first used right around 1978. Such storms often last around two to five hours.
Bow Echo Media
Typical evolution of a thunderstorm radar echo (a) into a bow echo (b, c) and into a comma echo (d). Dashed line indicates axis of greatest potential for downbursts. Arrows indicate wind flow relative to the storm. Note regions of cyclonic rotation (C) and anticyclonic rotation (A); both regions, especially C, are capable of supporting tornado development in some cases.
A bow echo west of the Chicago area
