Ensemble‐Based Assimilation of Satellite All‐Sky Microwave Radiances Improves Intensity and Rainfall Predictions for Hurricane Harvey (2017)
Abstract
Ensemble‐based data assimilation of radar observations across inner‐core regions of tropical cyclones (TCs) in tandem with satellite all‐sky infrared (IR) radiances across the TC domain improves TC track and intensity forecasts. This study further investigates potential enhancements in TC track, intensity, and rainfall forecasts via assimilation of all‐sky microwave (MW) radiances using Hurricane Harvey (2017) as an example. Assimilating Global Precipitation Measurement constellation all‐sky MW radiances in addition to GOES‐16 all‐sky IR radiances reduces the forecast errors in the TC track, rapid intensification (RI), and peak intensity compared to assimilating all‐sky IR radiances alone, including a 24‐hr increase in forecast lead‐time for RI. Assimilating all‐sky MW radiances also improves Harvey's hydrometeor fields, which leads to improved forecasts of rainfall after Harvey's landfall. This study indicates that avenues exist for producing more accurate forecasts for TCs using available yet underutilized data, leading to better warnings of and preparedness for TC‐associated hazards in the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Dec 26, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.1029/2021gl096410
Entities
People
- Atsushi Okazaki
- Christopher M. Hartman
- Eugene E. Clothiaux
- Fuqing Zhang
- James H Ruppert
- Man‐Yau Chan
- Masashi Minamide
- Robert G. Nystrom
- Scott B. Sieron
- Steven J. Greybush
- Xingchao Chen
- Yinghui Lu
- Yunji Zhang
- Zhu Yao
Organizations
- Hirosaki University
- Nanjing University
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Center for Atmospheric Research
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- National Science Foundation
- Office of Biological and Environmental Research
- Office of Naval Research
- Pennsylvania State University
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Tokyo