Assimilation of Hyperspectral Infrared Radiances from the Cloud-Clearing Methodology: Results from the 2017 Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Season
Assimilation of cloud-affected radiances has the potential to dramatically improve numerical weather prediction systems, as has already been widely shown by use of all-sky microwave radiances. Assimilation of cloudy infrared (IR) radiances, however, lags far behind and only clear-sky radiances are used operationally, leaving data voids in dynamically sensitive areas, such as around tropical cyclones. This team has previously shown the positive benefit of assimilating cloud-cleared IR radiances from hyperspectral sensors (CCRs) and in this work applies the cloud-clearing methodology to generate fully customizable CCRs using an algorithm designed to be portable and reduce latency. These data are successfully assimilated in the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) data assimilation system (DAS) for the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season.