Assimilation of High Temporal Satellite Derived Atmospheric Motion Vectors to Improve Hurricane Forecasts Using HWRF

A new Atmospheric Motion Vector (AMV) nested tracking algorithm was developed for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R/S series (GOES-R) Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). This algorithm has been demonstrated to significantly improve the slow speed bias inherent in the AMVs derived from geostationary satellite. It provides the opportunity to generate AMVs at high spatial and temporal resolution potentially increasing the positive impact of this data type on the skill of higher resolution data assimilation system. One such system is the operational National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) system. This new algorithm has also been used to retrieve AMVs from the current GOES satellites. These new data (GOES-R like AMVs from current GOES) are assimilated into the current operational version of HWRF, in preparation for transition into operations.

 The quality control procedures and assimilation techniques are reviewed and revised to efficiently use these AMVs in the high-resolution HWRF system.  The Clear Air Water Vapor, Shortwave and Visible AMV types along with AMVs from rapid scan imagery were also added.   Several storms, including Ernesto and Hector, will be analyzed to evaluate the impact from the assimilation of GOES-R AMVs on hurricane track and intensity. Baseline for comparison is the assimilation of the heritage AMVs currently used by the operational HWRF.