Improved Characterization and Monitoring of Moisture Associated With Atmospheric Rivers

Abstract

The accurate characterization of atmospheric moisture fields (including water vapor and clouds) is essential for improved forecasts of cool- and warm-season heavy precipitation events associated with Atmospheric Rivers (AR) and AR-like events observed around the world. Our experience with the Atmospheric River Observatories established along the West Coast of North America has resulted in the development and implementation of new tools and techniques to quantify the characteristics of AR’s at landfall, and new techniques to quantify observation errors and monitor the accuracy of satellite water vapor observations over the open ocean. This presentation describes the instruments and methodologies, presents initial results of their practical implementation, and discusses plans to expand these capabilities into other regions including the Southeast U.S. and Western Pacific.