Impact of WRF Parameterization Schemes on Track and Intensity of Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm “Fani”

Abstract

Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model version 4.1.3 is configured in the present study to understand the impact of microphysical parameterization schemes on the track and intensity of extremely severe cyclonic storm (ESCS) “Fani” that occurred during 26 April to 4 May 2019 in the Bay of Bengal. The model is customized with six different microphysical parameterization schemes along with Kain–Fritsch cumulus for convection and the Yonsei University planetary boundary-layer scheme for computation of heat and moisture transport. The simulations are conducted at 27-km horizontal resolution with 41 levels in the vertical for 150 h (00UTC 28 April to 06UTC 4 May 2019). Model-simulated features such as the track, track error, minimum central sea-level pressure (MSLP), maximum sustained surface wind (MSW), and precipitation are validated against India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) observation data. Although all the schemes predict track patterns similar to observation, the MP3 scheme shows the least track error even after landfall, and its track length is maximum in comparison with other schemes, albeit less than the observed track. The MP3 scheme exhibits a better track for “Fani,” followed by MP14. The lowest mean direct position error (along-track error) of 85 km (68.5 km) is noted for the MP3 scheme, followed by 112.5 km (82.3 km) for the MP8 scheme. Analysis of the MSLP and MSW using the t-test suggests that the MP2 scheme has better forecast ability, followed by MP6. Analysis of the quantitative/spatial matching of the rainfall forecasts and TRMM observations using the Method for Object-Based Diagnostic Evaluation (MODE) tool suggests that the MP8 (MP14) scheme is capable of simulating the rainfall beyond (up to) 48 h. Analysis of the zonal cross-section of horizontal and vertical winds shows that intense convection is well simulated by the MP2, MP3, and MP4 schemes during the change of intensity from cyclonic storm to severe cyclonic storm (SCS), by MP6 and MP14 from SCS to very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS) and from VSCS to ESCS, and by MP8 at ESCS level. All the schemes can capture the eyewall and simulate the westerly that allowed the system to move north-northeastwards. The synoptic flow at different pressure levels is reproduced by all the schemes. However, assessing the impact of the microphysics parameterizations on the synoptic flow of “Fani” at low resolution was difficult. Analysis of Qc and Qr indicates definite impacts of the microphysical parameterizations on the vertical structure of “Fani” in producing rainfall. The MP3 scheme exhibits a better cloud pattern up to upper troposphere level, followed by the MP2 scheme. Analysis of the latent heat flux predicted using the different microphysics schemes suggests that the latent heat flux release at VSCS intensity level or above contributes to further intensification of the TC, and this feature is very well simulated by the MP2 scheme.