Use of Wind Profiler Data in Short-Range Forecasting
Abstract
This report describes the results of the second year of a two-year study directed toward improving short-term forecasts and nowcasts through processing of satellite data (year 1) and Doppler profiler data (year 2). Data from the wind profiler demonstration network in the central US were used in a Barnes analysis scheme to produce hourly gridded wind fields and various derived kinematic quantities. The data were displayed in horizontal, vertical, and time- height cross sections. The utility of the profiler data, and profiler derived analyses, for short-term forecasting was demonstrated in a total of eight case studies, covering a wide range of atmospheric conditions. Among the derived quantities, the low-level vertical velocity derived from the horizontal convergence fields was found to be particularly useful for identifying areas of precipitation, while mid-level vorticity and vorticity advection was helpful in identifying quasi-geostrophic forcing mechanisms. Nowcasting, Wind Profiler, Objective analysis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 15, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA279482
Entities
People
- Lawrence W. Knowlton
- Thomas M. Hamill
- Thomas Nehrkorn
Organizations
- Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc