Impact Study of FY-3B MWRI Data Assimilation in WRFDA

In the first attempt to configure Fengyun-3B satellite’s Microwave Radiation Imager (MWRI) radiance data in Weather Research Forecast (WRF) model’s Data Assimilation system (WRFDA), impact of MWRI assimilation on analysis and forecast Typhoon Son-Tinh 2012 was evaluated with WRFDA’s three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) data-assimilation scheme. Compared a benchmark experiment no data, assimilating radiances improved analyses typhoon central sea level pressure (CSLP), warm core structure, wind speed. Moreover, verified European Center for Medium-Range Forecasts (ECMWF) significant improvements model variable forecast, such as geopotential height specific humidity, were produced. Substantial error reductions track, CSLP, maximum-wind-speed forecasts also obtained from time 48 h forecast.