In this paper, we briefly present some recent results of initialization and prediction of convectivescale weather systems using a high-resolution numerical model and its data assimilation systems. For cases with pre-existing storms, the WSR-88D radar data are assimilated, at 5 to 15 minute intervals, over a typically one-hour assimilation window, using three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) meth...

The time has come when ensemble-based Kalman filter data assimilation schemes can be considered for implementation on operational weather forecast systems in the foreseeable future. For the first time, an ensemble Kalman filter has been reported to break even with a sophisticated operational 3DVar system (Houtekamer et al 2004), to outperform the NCEP 3D-Var in reconstructing the state of the m...