Impact of AMSU-A and MHS radiances assimilation on Typhoon Megi (2016) forecasting

Abstract To better understand the assimilation contribution and influence mechanism of different satellite platforms microwave instruments, radiance data Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) Humidity Sounder (MHS) onboard NOAA-15 NOAA-18 are assimilated to investigate various effects on prediction path intensity Typhoon Megi (2016) based Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) three-dimensional variation WRF model. The community radiative transfer model is employed as forward operator. quality control bias correction procedures before (DA) performed improve simulations. Impact AMSU-A MHS radiances (2016)’s investigated by six experiments (without with DA) initial conditions at 1200 UTC 25 September 2016 60 h forecast integration. results compared observational from China Meteorological Administration tropical cyclone database. impact mechanisms DA adjustments fields increment analysis each physical quantity field in detail. findings show that produces best output over course simulation, demonstrating multiple not always than a single platform. In comparison, has favorable effect short-term strength forecasts, but negative long-term forecasts. needs be further investigated.