Upgrades to the ARCHER TC Center-Fixing Scheme and Real-Time Applications

Here we introduce major upgrades to the Automated Rotational Center Hurricane Eye Retrieval (ARCHER) algorithm that allows for a robust application of tropical cyclone (TC) center-fixing and characterization in real-time operations. The specific new features include 1) Calibrated adaptation to observations in 37 GHz, 85-92 GHz, IR window, Shortwave IR, Visible, and scatterometer; 2) Corresponding output of the center-fix expected error; 3) A TC track display that assimilates the wide variety of center-fix information into a clear depiction of TC evolution in real-time; and 4) Diagnostic measurements of secondary eyewall formation, to serve as an early notification of an imminent eyewall replacement cycle. A thorough validation of the algorithm includes absolute accuracy relative to the NHC Best Track during aircraft reconnaissance flights, and also relative to operational analyst center-fixes.