Vorticity, divergence and deformation are the three basic characteristics of wind fields. While many previous studies have revealed and confirmed the close relationship between both vorticity and divergence and the occurrence of precipitation, few have focused on the deformation of the precipitating atmosphere. In fact, deformation is closely related to the occurrence and distribution of strong precipitation—a relationship explored in a recent study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, which aimed to involve deformation in the diagnosis of precipitation.