Impact of dropwindsonde data on Hurricane track forecasts

Abstract

The potential impact of dropwindsonde observations on track forecasting of Hurricane Bonnie was investigated. The investigations was carried out in terms of data number and distribution around the storm center using the MM5 model and the observating-system simulation experiments (OSSE) approach. The increasing number of dropwindsonde observations around the storm center improved the track forecasting. The results indicate that appropriate number and distribution of dropwindsonde soundings around the storm center make necessary corrections in the wind fields at all levels for better track forecast.