Extended Abstract (512K)4B.5
Exploring new synergies between radar data and mesoscale model forecasts
Marion P. Mittermaier, Univ. of Reading, Reading, Berks., United Kingdom; and R. Hogan and A. J. Illingworth
The Nimrod automated precipitation nowcasting system of the UK Met Office is an example of synergy between radar and mesoscale model forecasts, where the combination of the two is superior to the individual components. For example, the model freezing level forecasts are used in the bright band correction scheme. Other possible combinations of mesoscale model output with radar data are being explored to make further improvements to the QPE and QPF products that are currently available, for instance the use of model winds to correct for wind drift of radar echoes. Large displacements in the radar rainfall fields can lead to potentially disastrous errors in area rainfall distribution, especially at the urban catchment scale. Some results on the evaluation of using model winds to correct for wind drift by comparison with high-resolution radar (range-height-indicator) RHI data will be presented, focussing on the magnitude of displacements possible and the impact of wind drift on the vertical profile.
Session 4B, QPE
Thursday, 7 August 2003, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
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