Application of PFI-4DVar Data Assimilation Technique to Nowcasting of Numerical Model

Nowcasting is mainly based on radar echo or satellite image extrapolation method. However, the prediction ability of extrapolation method decreases with time, because this method cannot describe the physical mechanism during the occurrence, development and extinction of severe convective weather systems. Considering that the prediction ability of numerical model improves with time, the nowcasting system should be based on numerical forecast model. And appropriate data assimilation technology can be used to produce a more accurate initial field, making the integral forecast results closer to the reality. The PFI-4DVar assimilation method (four-dimensional variational technology under physical filter initialization) can filter in the process of assimilation rather than model integration, thus shortening the model spin-up time and getting a more dynamic and physically coordinated analysis field. Therefore, PFI-4DVar assimilation method not only improves model prediction results, but also makes initial field closer to observations, which is very suitable for nowcasting.Using WRF model and WRFDA assimilation system, effects of PFI-4DVar on prediction ability of numerical nowcasting are explored. Through the precipitation case in North China on 11 August 2018, prediction results in control and assimilation tests are discussed. According to ETS scores, the precipitation prediction of assimilation test is closer to the observation compared with control test. The water vapor in assimilated ground and sounding data, the dynamic field in assimilated radar radial wind data and the appropriate cumulus parameterization scheme make the amplitude of divergence in high-level and convergence in low-level in analysis field of assimilation test much stronger than those in background field, thus creating vertical motion. Moreover, the precipitation of assimilation test is mainly caused by process of cumulus.A batch test is carried out on 17 precipitation cases of North China in August 2018. It shows that PFI-4DVar can significantly improve the prediction ability for short precipitation (especially large order precipitation) and timely predict the fall area of heavy rain or rainstorm. After assimilation, ETS scores of 6-hour accumulated precipitation (greater than 25.0 mm) in batch test increase from 0.125 to 0.190, and ETS scores of 6-hour accumulated precipitation (greater than 60.0 mm) increase from 0.016 to 0.081. PFI-4DVar significantly improves the precipitation nowcasting. Calculations are reduced by selecting 12-minute assimilation time window, which greatly saves computational resources. And the time of assimilation test is shortened, ensuring the time efficiency of 6-hour forecast. Therefore, PFI-4DVar can improve and enhance the prediction ability of precipitation nowcasting.