The impact of satellite wind measurements on hurricane forecasts in OSSEs: Ocean surface winds versus 3-D wind profiles

Abstract:

The observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) were conducted to evaluate the impact of satellite wind measurements on hurricane forecasts with the NCEP operational hurricane weather research and forecasting (HWRF) model and a gridpoint statistical interpolation (GSI) data assimilation system. The ocean surface wind speeds from the upcoming Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission is first assessed first with case studies. Results indicated that the CYGNSS ocean surface wind has a positive impact on hurricane forecasts in various flow regimes during both rapid intensification and mature phases, although the impact may be limited in short-range forecasts in some cases. In addition, the vortex relocation and initialization has a significant influence on the overall results.

Considering the potential satellite mission in 3-D wind profiling measurements in the future, the impact of these 3-D wind profiles on numerical prediction for hurricanes is assessed. Various configurations of data coverage, frequencies, and accuracies are considered in the OSSEs. More importantly, the relative impact of ocean surface wind measurements and 3-dimensional wind profiles is compared. Detailed results will be presented during the meeting.