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Forecasting mesoscale convective systems in the Urals using the WRF model and remote sensing data

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Abstract

The results are presented ofmodeling the formation and evolution ofmesoscale convective systems (MCS) accompanied by severe weather events over the territory of the Western Urals by the WRF-ARW numerical model of the atmosphere. Twenty-three cases of mesoscale convective complexes and mesoscale squall lines are considered for 2002-2015. The Terra/Aqua MODIS data, the data of weather radars installed in Perm and Izhevsk, and the data from the Roshydromet observation network were used to verify the model forecasts. It is demonstrated that the parameters of MCS intensity are simulated by the model with high reliability; however, the quality of the forecast of the spatial position of MCS is unsatisfactory in most cases. It is revealed that the model grid spacing strongly affects the forecast skill scores. In some cases the model successfully simulates the formation and evolution of MCS accompanied by severe weather events and can be used for their short-range forecast with the time accuracy of ±(1-2) hours.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Perm State University, ul. Bukireva 15, Perm, 614990, Russia

    N. A. Kalinin, A. N. Shikhov & A. V. Bykov

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  1. N. A. Kalinin
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  2. A. N. Shikhov
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  3. A. V. Bykov
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Correspondence to N. A. Kalinin.

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Original Russian Text © N.A. Kalinin, A.N. Shikhov, A.V. Bykov, 2017, published in Meteorologiya i Gidrologiya, 2017, No. 1, pp. 16-28.

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Kalinin, N.A., Shikhov, A.N. & Bykov, A.V. Forecasting mesoscale convective systems in the Urals using the WRF model and remote sensing data. Russ. Meteorol. Hydrol. 42, 9–18 (2017). https://doi.org/10.3103/S1068373917010022

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