Real-time forecasts over the Arctic region during 2017/2018 Arctic expedition of the KOPRI IBRV Araon

Abstract

Starting in 2017, the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) has performed real-time weather forecasts over the Arctic region during the Arctic cruise period of the IBRV Araon to support scientific activities of the Araon. 6-hourly radiosonde observations from the Araon are assimilated using the 3D-Var data assimilation method in a cycling mode, and 5-day forecasts are made using the polar-optimized Weather Research and Forecasting (Polar WRF) model. Effects of assimilating additional radiosonde observations on weather forecasts over the Arctic region are investigated using reanalysis data and independent observations.