WRF Mircophysics Performance in Forecasting Rotor Events in Las Vegas

This study uses the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) to conduct microphysics sensitivity tests to better forecast rotors events in the Las Vegas area. Rotors and severe downslope wind events have been well documented. However, very few have tested the effects of thermodynamics on these events in the United States. The results of the 1-km grid spacing resolution WRF model was validated using the Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) in the area. These results were used to create an ensemble employed in the real-time forecast model.