Optimizing the Utilization Of CYGNSS Wind Observations for Numerical Prediction of Tropical Cyclones

For the analysis and forecasting of tropical cyclones, the main benefits of data from the CYGNSS constellation of satellites are the increased revisit frequency compared to polar-orbiting satellites and the ability to provide ocean surface wind observations through precipitation. Consequently, CYGNSS delivers an improved capability to observe the structure and evolution of ocean surface winds in and around tropical cyclones. This study quantifies the impact of assimilating both CYGNSS retrieved wind speed and derived CYGNSS wind vectors in weak tropical cyclones on 6-hourly analyses and 5-day forecasts, using the 2019 version of the operational Hurricane Weather and Research Forecast (HWRF) model.