Comprehensive study of extreme rainfall events using model simulations and remotely sensed observations

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the present work, a detailed examination of extreme rainfall events (EREs) has been carried out using weather research and forecasting (WRF) model and remotely sensed observations over the Northwest Himalayan region. We performed high-resolution model simulations and studied EREs in association with fine-resolution Indian National Satellite System (INSAT-3D) observations. Remarkable variations noted in the remotely sensed outgoing longwave radiation and rainfall in association with model simulations during the formation of cloudburst events may be utilized to give an alert over the locations potentially affected by the EREs. We found that the fine-scale structure of various physical quantities during the formation of the cloudburst events endures remarkable variations in close agreement with the satellite-based observations. Results obtained in the present study show a promising pathway for the study, analysis and now-casting of extremely heavy rainfall events based on model simulations in conjunction with remotely sensed observations.