EnKF Analyses and Forecasts of Hurricane Harvey (2017)

Ensemble-based data assimilation of radar observations across inner-core regions of tropical cyclones (TCs) in tandem with satellite all-sky infrared radiances across the TC domain improves TC track and intensity forecasts. This study further investigates potential enhancements in TC track, intensity, and rainfall forecasts via assimilation of all-sky microwave radiances using Hurricane Harvey (2017) as an example. Assimilating GPM constellation all-sky microwave radiances in addition to GOES-16 all-sky infrared radiances reduces the forecast errors in the TC track, rapid intensification, and peak intensity compared to assimilating all-sky infrared radiances alone, including a 24-hour increase in forecast lead-time for rapid intensification. Assimilating all-sky microwave radiances also improves Harvey’s hydrometeor fields, which leads to improved forecasts of rainfall after Harvey’s landfall. This study indicates that avenues exist for producing more accurate forecasts for TCs using available yet underutilized data, leading to better warnings of and preparedness for TC-associated hazards in the future.