Improving 24-hour cloud forecasts by manually-modified numerical prognoses based on satellite observations

Abstract

The results of three quasi-objective techniques for enhancing the accuracy of 24-hour cloud cover forecasts in sparse data areas, using satellite data and numerically- produced analyses and prognoses, are presented. All three of the techniques involve the modification of the analyzed 500-mb relative vorticity, as based on the satellite- observed cloud patterns and the associated changes to the prognostic fields of 500-mb relative vorticity.