Lightning assimilation in the WRF model (Version 4.1.1): technique updates and assessment of the applications from regional to hemispheric scales

Abstract. The lightning assimilation (LTA) technique in the Kain–Fritsch convective parameterization Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model has been updated applied to continental hemispheric simulations using flash data obtained from National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) World Wide Location (WWLLN), respectively. LTA uses trigger via realistic temperature moisture perturbations. impact of different values for cumulus parameters associated with scheme on without were evaluated both simulations. Comparisons gauge-based rainfall products near-surface meteorological observations indicated that improved model's performance most variables. simulated precipitation LTA, WWLLN flashes applications, was significantly over when compared satellite equatorial regions. showed significant sensitivity (i.e., user-toggled switches) monthly as large 40 % during seasons mean daily precipitation. With differences due minimized. horizontal grid spacing modeling domain strongly influenced predicted total precipitation, especially coarser scales used simulation. user-definable resolution manifested complexity process LTA. These results revealed sensitivities resolution, geographic heterogeneity, source quality dataset.