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Lifted Index from 500 hPa Temperatures

Calculate lifted index from supplied environment and parcel temperatures at 500 hPa, keeping the parcel method and index limitations explicit.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Environment temperature at 500 hPa (°C), Lifted-parcel temperature at 500 hPa (°C), Sources and assumptions
Output to expect
Lifted index from actual 500 hPa temperatures
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Lifted index from actual 500 hPa temperatures

Subtract a documented lifted-parcel temperature at 500 hPa from the environment temperature at the same pressure. Retain how the parcel origin and ascent were chosen instead of assigning an arbitrary storm severity from one index.

LI = Tenvironment,500 − Tparcel,500, in °C temperature difference.

Updated: September 2026

Example Scenarios

Inspect the example and its input basis, then substitute your own documented measurements or matched cases.

Environment temperature at 500 hPa (°C): -15Lifted-parcel temperature at 500 hPa (°C): -20

→ 5°C lifted index

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing observation and model inputs

Use the exact units, timestamp, level and measurement or model basis stated by the selected mode. A similar quantity from another instrument or product is not automatically interchangeable.

Treating an illustrative case as a measurement

Replace the example with your own sourced inputs. Retain missing values and method limits, and keep raw source data alongside a saved calculation.

FAQ

Subtract a documented lifted-parcel temperature at 500 hPa from the environment temperature at the same pressure. Retain how the parcel origin and ascent were chosen instead of assigning an arbitrary storm severity from one index.

Retain the station or profile identity, observation or issue/valid time, measurement units, quality flags, source and stated method. Missing values, trace precipitation and known zeros have different meanings.

Save weather case keeps an explicit local record. Copy MD includes current inputs and notes; Download CSV includes the current result breakdown. Keep portable copies separately and retain raw source data.

About Lifted Index from 500 hPa Temperatures

Subtract a documented lifted-parcel temperature at 500 hPa from the environment temperature at the same pressure. Retain how the parcel origin and ascent were chosen instead of assigning an arbitrary storm severity from one index.