Radar rainfall prediction based on deep learning considering temporal consistency

Abstract

In this study, we tried to improve the performance of the existing U-net-based deep learning rainfall prediction model, which can weaken the meaning of time series order. For this, ConvLSTM2D U-Net structure model considering temporal consistency of data was applied, and we evaluated accuracy of the ConvLSTM2D U-Net model using a RainNet model and an extrapolation-based advection model. In addition, we tried to improve the uncertainty in the model training process by performing learning not only with a single model but also with 10 ensemble models. The trained neural network rainfall prediction model was optimized to generate 10-minute advance prediction data using four consecutive data of the past 30 minutes from the present. The results of deep learning rainfall prediction models are difficult to identify schematically distinct differences, but with ConvLSTM2D U-Net, the magnitude of the prediction error is the smallest and the location of rainfall is relatively accurate. In particular, the ensemble ConvLSTM2D U-Net showed high CSI, low MAE, and a narrow error range, and predicted rainfall more accurately and stable prediction performance than other models. However, the prediction performance for a specific point was very low compared to the prediction performance for the entire area, and the deep learning rainfall prediction model also had limitations. Through this study, it was confirmed that the ConvLSTM2D U-Net neural network structure to account for the change of time could increase the prediction accuracy, but there is still a limitation of the convolution deep neural network model due to spatial smoothing in the strong rainfall region or detailed rainfall prediction.