Intercomparison of Rainfall Estimates from Radar, Satellite, Gauge, and Combinations for a Season of Record Rainfall

Jonathan J. Gourley NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, Oklahoma

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Yang Hong Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

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Zachary L. Flamig NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory, and Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

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Li Li Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

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Jiahu Wang Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

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Abstract

Rainfall products from radar, satellite, rain gauges, and combinations have been evaluated for a season of record rainfall in a heavily instrumented study domain in Oklahoma. Algorithm performance is evaluated in terms of spatial scale, temporal scale, and rainfall intensity. Results from this study will help users of rainfall products to understand their errors. Moreover, it is intended that developers of rainfall algorithms will use the results presented herein to optimize the contribution from available sensors to yield the most skillful multisensor rainfall products.

Corresponding author address: Jonathan J. Gourley, National Weather Center, 120 David L. Boren Blvd., Norman, OK 73072-7303. Email: jj.gourley@noaa.gov

This article included in the International Precipitation Working Group (IPWG) special collection.

Abstract

Rainfall products from radar, satellite, rain gauges, and combinations have been evaluated for a season of record rainfall in a heavily instrumented study domain in Oklahoma. Algorithm performance is evaluated in terms of spatial scale, temporal scale, and rainfall intensity. Results from this study will help users of rainfall products to understand their errors. Moreover, it is intended that developers of rainfall algorithms will use the results presented herein to optimize the contribution from available sensors to yield the most skillful multisensor rainfall products.

Corresponding author address: Jonathan J. Gourley, National Weather Center, 120 David L. Boren Blvd., Norman, OK 73072-7303. Email: jj.gourley@noaa.gov

This article included in the International Precipitation Working Group (IPWG) special collection.

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