Ensemble-based assimilation of satellite all-sky microwave radiances improves intensity and rainfall predictions for Hurricane Harvey (2017)

This study further investigates potential enhancements in TC track, intensity, and rainfall forecasts via assimilation of all-sky microwave (MW) radiances using Hurricane Harvey (2017) as an example.

Assimilating Global Precipitation Measurement constellation all-sky MW radiances in addition to GOES-16 all-sky IR radiances reduces the forecast errors in the TC track, rapid intensification (RI), and peak intensity compared to assimilating all-sky IR radiances alone, including a 24-hr increase in forecast lead-time for RI. Assimilating all-sky MW radiances also improves Harvey's hydrometeor fields, which leads to improved forecasts of rainfall after Harvey's landfall.