Multimodel SuperEnsemble technique for quantitative precipitation forecasts in Piemonte region

Abstract

The Multimodel SuperEnsemble technique is a powerful post-processing method for the estimation of weather forecast parameters reducing direct model output errors. It has been applied to real time NWP, TRMM-SSM/I based multi-analysis, Seasonal Climate Forecasts and Hurricane Forecasts. The novelty of this approach lies in the methodology, which differs from ensemble analysis techniques used elsewhere. Several model outputs are put together with adequate weights to obtain a combined estimation of meteorological parameters. Weights are calculated by least-square minimization of the difference between the model and the observed field during a so-called training period. Although it can be applied successfully on the continuous parameters like temperature, humidity, wind speed and mean sea level pressure, the Multimodel SuperEnsemble gives good results also when applied on the precipitation, a parameter quite difficult to handle with standard post-processing methods. Here we present our methodology for the Multimodel precipitation forecasts, involving a new accurate statistical method for bias correction and a wide spectrum of results over Piemonte very dense non-GTS weather station network. © 2011 Author(s).