Assessment of WRF microphysics and cumulus parameterizations in simulating heavy rainfall events over Badulu Oya catchment, Sri Lanka

Abstract Extreme rainfall events leading to severe hydrological impacts warrant an accurate prediction of such not only on time but also in magnitude. Sri Lanka is a South Asian country that frequently affected by tropical storms. The primary aim this study was improve heavy forecast during the North-East monsoon over Badulu Oya catchment, Lanka. This accomplished simulating precipitation for two extreme using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) model. A detailed comparison made between 24-h spatial distribution model observations obtained from gauges. Verification evaluated based three deterministic approaches. Each event simulated multiple times 15 different parameterization scheme combinations including six microphysics four cumulus schemes at 3 km grid resolution. filtered best were validated another events. key finding these evaluations configurations with WSM5, WSM6, Kessler WDM6 microphysics, KF, BMJ MKF displayed overall performances. Therefore, have good potential operational use numerical weather said catchment.