Graphical Abstract

Kazumori, M., 2018: Assimilation of Himawari-8 Clear Sky Radiance data in JMA's global and mesoscale NWP systems. J. Meteor. Soc. Japan, 96B, 173-192.
https://doi.org/10.2151/jmsj.2018-037 Graphical Abstract with highlights

In data assimilation experiments using JMA’s global NWP system, the assimilation of Himawari-8’s three water vapor bands (TEST) significantly improved the tropospheric humidity field in analysis, especially in the lower troposphere, as compared to assimilation of the single MTSAT-2 water vapor channel (CNTL). First-guess (FG) departure statistics for microwave humidity sounders indicated an improvement in the water vapor field, especially over Himawari-8 observation areas (Fig. 1).
In data assimilation experiments using JMA’s mesoscale NWP system, a single water vapor band of Himawari-8 CSR corresponding to MTSAT-2 was assimilated, resulting in enhanced contrast of the water vapor field between moist and dry areas, as well as a realistic representation of moist air flows from the ocean in analysis. The changes also improved mesoscale model heavy precipitation forecasts (Fig. 2).