Study of Heat Wave Using High-Resolution Real Time Meso-Scale Analysis Over India

Abstract

The applicability and accuracy of high-resolution Real-Time Meso-scale Analysis (RTMA) system is assessed over India for the first time. The RTMA is a high-spatial (2.5 km) and temporal resolution analysis system for near-surface weather conditions. It is used to simulate near-surface air temperature over India during the Heatwave (HW) period 12th to 20th April 2023. The verification analysis of temperature using the GLDAS gridded temperature shows reasonable improvement in the analysis from RTMA by capturing regional features compared to first-guess. The spatial and temporal verification using the IMD station observations also confirms the value addition of RTMA in capturing the locations of recorded highest Tmax and their daily variations. The location-specific heat stress analysis of RTMA shows high skill over many locations during HW days. Heat stress regions have been accurately brought out in the RTMA. Hence, the RTMA can be used for now-casting and severe weather monitoring.