Processing of Indian Doppler Weather Radar data for mesoscale applications

This paper demonstrates the usefulness of Indian Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) data for nowcasting applications, and assimilation into a mesoscale Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model. Warning Decision Support System Integrated Information (WDSS-II) developed by National Severe Storm Laboratory (NSSL) and Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) developed at the Centre for Analysis and Prediction, University of Oklahoma are used for this purpose. The study reveals that the WDSS-II software is capable of detecting and removing anomalous propagation echoes from the Indian DWR data. The software can be used to track storm cells and mesocyclones through successive scans. Radar reflectivity mosaics are created for a land-falling tropical cyclone—Khaimuk of 14 November 2008 over the Bay of Bengal using observations from three DWR stations, namely, Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam and Chennai. Assimilation of the quality-controlled radar data (DWR, Chennai) of the WDSS-II software in a very high-resolution NWP model (ARPS) has a positive impact for improving mesoscale prediction. This has been demonstrated for a land-falling tropical cyclone Nisha of 27 November 2008 of Tamil Nadu coast. This paper also discusses the optimum scan strategy and networking considerations. This work illustrates an important step of transforming research to operation.