Abstract:The synoptic background, stability index, and vertical shear of horizontal winds in a heavy rain happened on 25 and 26 July 2011 in Zhenjiang are analyzed. By using the SWAN system, the evolution characteristics of CAPPI radar echo images and VIL are studied. The TITAN storm identification and tracing techniques in SWAN are tested. The results show that the adequate dynamic condition, vapor condition, unsteady stratified atmosphere, and strong vertical shear of horizontal winds provided a favorable environment for the heavy rain process and resulted in the strong wind weather in Zhenjiang on 25 and 26 July. The characteristics of heavy rainfall in the two time periods were different: there was a squall weather process in the first period, and a group of rainstorms in the second period; both squall line and rainstorms contain common cells and high precipitation super cells, both of which have the characteristics of strong centers and high echo tops. A good corresponding relation between the evolution of VIL and the strength of storm is obtained. For the position and outline of a storm, the one hour forecast is less accurate than 30 minute forecast. For a developing or a well developed storm, the 30 minute tracking and forecasting are close to the real case, and for a weakening storm, there is a lag.