Initial Perturbations Based on Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter with Rescaling Method for Ensemble Forecasting

Abstract

AbstractEnsemble forecasting is a method to faithfully describe initial and model uncertainties in a weather forecasting system. Initial uncertainties are much more important than model uncertainties in the short-range numerical prediction. Currently, initial uncertainties are described by the ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF) initial perturbation method in Global and Regional Assimilation and Prediction Enhanced System–Regional Ensemble Prediction System (GRAPES-REPS). However, an initial perturbation distribution similar to the analysis error cannot be yielded in the ETKF method of the GRAPES-REPS. To improve the method, we introduce a regional rescaling factor into the ETKF method (we call it ETKF_R). We also compare the results between the ETKF and ETKF_R methods and further demonstrate how rescaling can affect the initial perturbation characteristics as well as the ensemble forecast skills. The characteristics of the initial ensemble perturbation improve after applying the ETKF_R method. For example, the initial perturbation structures become more reasonable, the perturbations are better able to explain the forecast errors at short lead times, and the lower kinetic energy spectrum as well as perturbation energy at the initial forecast times can lead to a higher growth rate of themselves. Additionally, the ensemble forecast verification results suggest that the ETKF_R method has a better spread–skill relationship, a faster ensemble spread growth rate, and a more reasonable rank histogram distribution than ETKF. Furthermore, the rescaling has only a minor impact on the assessment of the sharpness of probabilistic forecasts. The above results all suggest that ETKF_R can be effectively applied to the operational GRAPES-REPS.