Hyperspectral Observations
Extend Medium Range Weather Forecasts
 The
higher the anomaly correlation, the more skillful the weather forecast.
Experimental forecasts using AIRS observations (red) are more
accurate than those without, extend the range of skillful forecasts
by over 6 hours. Experimental weather forecasts at the NOAA-NASA-DoD
Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) using NASA's
Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS) radiance observations indicate
significant improvements in global forecast skill compared to the
operational system without AIRS data. The improvement in forecast
skill at 6 days is equivalent to gaining an extension of forecast
capability of about 6 hours. This magnitude of improvement is quite
significant when compared to the rate of general forecast improvement
over the last decade. A 6 hour increase in forecast range at 5 or 6
days normally takes 5 or 6 years to achieve at operational weather
centers. As a result of these positive impacts, the NWS has begun to
assimilate AIRS data in its operational numerical weather prediction
model. NESDIS provides the base funding for the JCSDA, with the other
partners contributing additional resources. AIRS is the first of a
new generation of infrared hyperspectral sounding instruments, providing
hyperspectral observations measuring atmospheric temperature and moisture
profiles with unprecedented accuracy and providing additional information
on greenhouse gases. NESDIS plans to provide similar capabilities with
the NPOESS CrIS and the GOES-R HESS.
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