Comparison of Coyote Data with High-Resolution Numerical Models of Boundary Layer Conditions

From 22-24 September 2017, six Coyote small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) missions were flown into Hurricane Maria. Three of these flights penetrated the eyewall and collected important thermodynamic and kinematic data. These high-resolution data can prove to be quite important for hurricane forecasts by helping verify and improve information about current conditions. Also, in conjunction with other in-situ measurements, e.g. hurricane hunter aircraft and dropsondes, the Coyote can provide needed measurements to help resolve the local atmospheric state. By comparing the Coyote and dropsonde data with high-resolution numerical simulations such as the High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) and nested North American Model (NAM), we can identify where model limitations exist. Results of these comparisons will be presented along with suggestions for sampling strategies to improve model limitations.