Combined Assimilation of Doppler Wind Lidar and Tail Doppler Radar Data over a Hurricane Inner Core for Improved Hurricane Prediction with the NCEP Regional HWRF System

Accurate specification of hurricane inner-core structure is critical to predicting the evolution a hurricane. However, observations over inner cores are generally lacking. Previous studies have emphasized Tail Doppler radar (TDR) data assimilation improve representation. Recently, wind lidar (DWL) has been used as an observing system sample and environmental conditions. The NOAA P3 Hurricane Hunter aircraft DWL installed can obtain hurricane’s core when passes through In this study, we examine impact assimilating winds TDR radial on prediction Earl (2016) with NCEP operational Weather Research Forecasting (HWRF) system. A series experiments conducted Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI)-based ensemble-3DVAR hybrid identify best way assimilate into HWRF forecast results show positive analysis prediction. Compared u v components, speed provides better track intensity forecasts. Proper choices thinning distances (e.g., 5 km horizontal 70 hPa vertical for DWL) help achieve in terms vortex representation cycles, combined (DWL wind, along other conventional data, e.g., Automated Data Processing (ADP) data) offsets downgrade from absence cycle outperforms single type (either or leads improved forecasts track, intensity, structure. Overall, beneficial most cases. outcomes study demonstrate great potential including profiles improvement.