Does discontinuous Mesoscale Convective System produce stronger precipitation?

Abstract Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) dominate global precipitation, yet their discontinuous evolution (merging, splitting, complex) and associated mechanisms remain unclear. Using Himawari-8 and IMERG datasets, we classify MCSs into four primary types (continuous, merging, splitting, complex), accounting for 97.15% of MCS-related precipitation. Discontinuous-type MCSs contribute 68.81% of total precipitation, demonstrating their critical role in freshwater supply, agriculture, and ecosystem stability, while posing greater flood risks to human societies. Spatial analyses reveal dual-core maxima over the ITCZ and East Asia. Discontinuous types exhibit consistent spatial patterns relative to continuous MCSs, despite intensity hierarchy (merging > complex > splitting). They enhance ITCZ rainfall by 4–16% via intensified updrafts and colder cloud tops, contrasting sharply with East Asia’s precipitation suppression (−16% to 0) tied to disrupted cloud structure and reduced convective instability. The findings provide critical insights for improving flood early-warning systems and optimizing agricultural water management in monsoon-vulnerable regions, directly supporting climate adaptation strategies and sustainable development goals.