Kees Kok

A Comparison between Raw Ensemble Output, (Modified) Bayesian Model Averaging, and Extended Logistic Regression Using ECMWF Ensemble Precipitation Reforecasts

Abstract Using a 20-yr ECMWF ensemble reforecast dataset of total precipitation and a 20-yr dataset of a dense precipitation observation network in the Netherlands, a comparison is made between the raw ensemble output, Bayesian model averaging (BMA), and extended logistic regression (LR). A previous study indicated that BMA and conventional LR are successful in calibrating multimodel ensemble forecasts of precipitation for a single forecast projection. However, a more elaborate comparison between these methods has not yet been made. This study compares the raw ensemble output, BMA, and extended LR for single-model ensemble reforecasts of precipitation; namely, from the ECMWF ensemble prediction system (EPS). The raw EPS output turns out to be generally well calibrated up to 6 forecast days, if compared to the area-mean 24-h precipitation sum. Surprisingly, BMA is less skillful than the raw EPS output from forecast day 3 onward. This is due to the bias correction in BMA, which applies model output statisti...

A combined physical-statistical approach for the downscaling of model wind speed

Abstract In this paper a combined physical–statistical approach for the downscaling of model wind speed is assessed. The key factor in this approach is the decomposition of the total error (model − observation) into a small-scale representation mismatch (RM) and a large-scale model error (ME). The RM is caused by the difference between the grid-box mean conditions of the model and the locally valid conditions. For wind speed, the RM is primarily determined by the difference in roughness between the model and the location. In the first step of the combined approach, the physical method (based on surface layer theory) adjusts the model output for the roughness characteristics at several observation sites. For these local wind estimates the RM is strongly reduced but the ME remains. To reduce this ME, the local wind estimates, together with the corresponding observations, are used in one pool to derive one linear regression equation. With local roughness length information derived from land-use maps, this re...

Probabilistic Forecasting of (Severe) Thunderstorms in the Netherlands Using Model Output Statistics

Abstract The derivation and verification of logistic regression equations for the (conditional) probability of (severe) thunderstorms in the warm half-year (from mid-April to mid-October) in the Netherlands is described. For 12 regions of about 90 km × 80 km each, and for projections out to 48 h in advance (with 6-h periods), these equations have been derived using model output statistics (MOS). As a source for the predictands, lightning data from the Surveillance et d’Alerte Foudre par Interferometrie Radioelectrique (SAFIR) network have been used. The potential predictor dataset mainly consisted of the combined (postprocessed) output from two numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. It contained 15 traditional thunderstorm indices, computed from the High-Resolution Limited-Area Model (HIRLAM), and (postprocessed) output from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model. The most important predictor in the thunderstorm forecast system is the square root of the ECMWF 6-h convecti...

Probabilistic Forecasts of (Severe) Thunderstorms for the Purpose of Issuing a Weather Alarm in the Netherlands

The development and verification of a new model output statistics (MOS) system is described; this system is intended to help forecasters decide whether a weather alarm for severe thunderstorms, based on high total lightning intensity, should be issued in the Netherlands. The system consists of logistic regression equations for both the probability of thunderstorms and the conditional probability of severe thunderstorms in the warm half-year (from mid-April to mid-October). These equations have been derived for 12 regions of about 90 km 80 km each and for projections out to 12 h in advance (with 6-h periods). As a source for the predictands, reprocessed total lightning data from the Surveillance et d’Alerte Foudre par Interferometrie Radioelectrique (SAFIR) network have been used. The potential predictor dataset not only consisted of the combined postprocessed output from two numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, as in previous work by the first three authors, but it also contained an ensemble of advected radar and lightning data for the 0–6-h projections. The NWP model output dataset contained 17 traditional thunderstorm indices, computed from a reforecasting experiment with the High-Resolution Limited-Area Model (HIRLAM) and postprocessed output from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model. Brier skill scores and attributes diagrams show that the skill of the MOS thunderstorm forecast system is good and that the severe thunderstorm forecast system generally is also skillful, compared to the 2000–04 climatology, and therefore, the preoperational system was made operational at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) in 2008.

A Comparative Verification of High-Resolution Precipitation Forecasts Using Model Output Statistics

AbstractVerification of localized events such as precipitation has become even more challenging with the advent of high-resolution mesoscale numerical weather prediction (NWP). The realism of a forecast suggests that it should compare well against precipitation radar imagery with similar resolution, both spatially and temporally. Spatial verification methods solve some of the representativity issues that point verification gives rise to. In this paper, a verification strategy based on model output statistics (MOS) is applied that aims to address both double-penalty and resolution effects that are inherent to comparisons of NWP models with different resolutions. Using predictors based on spatial precipitation patterns around a set of stations, an extended logistic regression (ELR) equation is deduced, leading to a probability forecast distribution of precipitation for each NWP model, analysis, and lead time. The ELR equations are derived for predictands based on areal-calibrated radar precipitation and SYN...