Luo Yang, Zhao Wei, Zhai Jingqiu. Dichotomous weather forecasts score research and a new measure of score. J Appl Meteor Sci, 2009, 20(2): 129-136.
Citation: Luo Yang, Zhao Wei, Zhai Jingqiu. Dichotomous weather forecasts score research and a new measure of score. J Appl Meteor Sci, 2009, 20(2): 129-136.

Dichotomous Weather Forecasts Score Research and a New Measure of Score

  • Received Date: 2008-04-08
  • Rev Recd Date: 2008-12-11
  • Publish Date: 2009-04-30
  • The significance of forecast estim ate and the principles are discussed. It is assumed that the scores are objective; and moreover they can objectively reflect the forecast level.The scores should be comparable, guiding forecast in the right direction. Several usual methods of dichotomous forecasts score are analyzed, revealing that accuracy and critical success index (CSI) in different areas are incomparable due to the influence of event possibility. It shows that the true skill statistic (TSS) is approach to the probability of detection (POD) when forecasting rare events.When events do not appear but false alarms are made, TSS can't be calculated. Heidke skill score and Girbet skill score make up for the above weaknesses. The three skill scores are all obtained by comparing forecast with random ones, hence there are (n11n22-n12n21) in the three formulas. It can be used as the discriminant for forecast skill. When (n11n22-n12n21)> 0, it indicates that the forecast level is better than that of random forecast, otherwise, it will be worse than it. On the basis of the relationship between event probability and the difficulty of forecast, a new method of score weight is considered and proposed. The essay points out the exiting problems are resulted from improper score weight, leading the score result unreliable and not comparable. The new method of score is based on CSI, and combines CSI of the two event forecasts. The focus of score is laid upon estimating the one with smaller probability in the two events.The principles of forecast score are fulfilled. By comparative analysis, the new method is proved to be superior to other methods, especially on estimating rare events. They can reflect the forecast level and changes more accurately.The advantages are as follows :With the increase of samples, the new score tends to be more stable than other scores in the rare events fo recast, thus leading to a rapid judgement for forecast level. When forecast level is improved, the new score will be able to reflect it correctly and distinctly. The new score is objective, just and real, and is compatible for different seasons and regions. So it is a uniform standard in forecast score.
  • Fig. 1  Score weight distribution of Event A

    Fig. 2  Interrelation for SFTtoICSAand

    Table  1  Contingency table for dichotomous (yes/no) forecasts

    Table  2  Verification methods for dichotomous (yes/no) forecasts

    Table  3  Contingency table for Finley's forecasts

    Table  4  Examples of forecast and score research

    Table  5  Comparative analysis of scores at changed forecast level

    Table  6  Characteristic analysis of scores

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    • Received : 2008-04-08
    • Accepted : 2008-12-11
    • Published : 2009-04-30

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