Penn State's Satellite Technique Predicts Severe Storm Impact

Penn State's Satellite Technique Predicts Severe Storm Impact
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 22, 2024

A new technique developed by researchers at Penn State, leveraging satellite data, has shown promise in enhancing the accuracy of severe weather forecasts. This method, which integrates microwave data from low-Earth-orbit satellites into conventional computer weather models, has successfully predicted the intensity and location of surface gusts during the severe Midwest Derecho of 2020.

Yunji Zhang, assistant professor at Penn State's Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, and the study's lead author, highlights the potential of this approach. "Our model consistently identifies the most potent storms and accurately forecasts where the strongest wind damage will occur. Such precise information could revolutionize real-time forecasting, allowing for targeted warnings in the most vulnerable areas," Zhang said.

The significance of this technique is further underscored in regions lacking extensive ground-based weather monitoring systems. Traditional radar, commonly employed in forecasting, is absent in many parts of the world. By utilizing satellite data alone, Penn State scientists demonstrated the capability to generate reliable forecasts for areas bereft of such infrastructure.

Building on previous endeavors that assimilated infrared brightness temperature data from satellites, which detail atmospheric water vapor and cloud formation by measuring radiation emitted from Earth's surface and atmosphere, this research adds a novel dimension. Microwave sensors, capable of penetrating clouds to observe atmospheric conditions below, offer a comprehensive view of storm dynamics.

"This innovation allows us to discern the convection processes within storms, providing a clearer picture of where and how severe weather will unfold," explained Zhang. The integration of microwave data significantly enhanced the precision of surface gust and wind speed predictions during the derecho event.

Looking ahead, Zhang aims to extend the application of this satellite-based forecasting method to regions with limited meteorological infrastructure, like West Africa. Such areas, prone to extreme weather events exacerbated by global warming, could greatly benefit from improved forecast accuracy.

Penn State's Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science faculty, including professors David Stensrud and Eugene Clothiaux, as well as assistant professor Xingchao Chen, contributed to this pioneering research.

The findings, detailed in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, promise to pave the way for more reliable severe weather predictions across the globe, potentially saving lives and mitigating property damage through advanced warning systems.

Research Report:Enhancing Severe Weather Prediction With Microwave All-Sky Radiance Assimilation: The 10 August 2020 Midwest Derecho