Hurricane Initialization in HWRF Model

There are different ways to initialize hurricanes in numerical models. We developed two hurricane initializations in Hurricane WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model. One uses hurricane relocation, 3D- VAR data analysis to initialize hurricanes. The initialization requires supercomputer and processes large amount of 3-D observational data, which will be useful in large meteorological operational centers. In the second initialization, we strip out the 3D-VAR data assimilation and uses GFS analysis field. The hurricane intensity is modified based on TC vital messages. This one will be useful in those centers or communities which do not have the capability to run 3D-VAR system using large amount of 3D observational data. We will discuses the details of those initializations and show our test results.