Application of three satellite techniques in support of precipitation forecasts of a NWP model

Abstract

In this study, the efficiency of an integrated operational system, based on three satellite infrared techniques, to support nowcasting and very short range forecasting of high precipitation rates provided by a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model is examined. Three algorithms, one for the detection and tracking of convective cloud cells and another two for rainfall estimation, are applied on satellite sensor data in order to qualitatively and quantitatively verify the precipitation forecasts provided by a NWP model. The application of the detection and tracking algorithm aims at verifying qualitatively, in real time, the precipitation forecasts by monitoring the detected convective cloud cells, at the same time intervals that the model forecasts are given. The application of the rainfall estimation techniques on satellite sensor data is needed for both quantitative and qualitative cross‐comparisons with the model outputs. The developed tool is applied in a case of intense precipitation over Greece. The results of the application are promising and show the potential for the implementation of the integrated system as a support tool for nowcasting and very short range forecasting by performing real‐time validation of NWP precipitation forecasts.