07-03-2025, 07:52 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-04-2025, 05:40 PM by Moderator 2.)
ECMWF is a Punaweb favorite tracking model, here is one way their forecasts will be affected by the loss of DMSP data, from a Gemini inquiry:
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) utilizes data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), particularly its microwave imagers like SSM/I and SSMIS, for weather forecasting and climate monitoring. DMSP data, including nighttime brightness data, helps ECMWF improve its models by providing valuable information about atmospheric conditions, particularly regarding water vapor, cloud and precipitation. While DMSP data is not assimilated in real-time, it's used for independent validation of ECMWF's operational analyses, especially concerning humidity. However, it's worth noting that DMSP satellite data processing is being discontinued by the Department of Defense, with all data products ceasing by June 30, 2025.
Several sources I read stated that the microwave sensors on DMSP were particularly useful at night, as they detect changes in hurricane intensity when it’s dark, something other satellites can’t do. This significantly improved first-in-the-morning models.
Thanks to harryd for introducing Punaweb to ECMWF (https://punaweb.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=14980&pid=14980&highlight=ECMWF#pid14980)
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) utilizes data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), particularly its microwave imagers like SSM/I and SSMIS, for weather forecasting and climate monitoring. DMSP data, including nighttime brightness data, helps ECMWF improve its models by providing valuable information about atmospheric conditions, particularly regarding water vapor, cloud and precipitation. While DMSP data is not assimilated in real-time, it's used for independent validation of ECMWF's operational analyses, especially concerning humidity. However, it's worth noting that DMSP satellite data processing is being discontinued by the Department of Defense, with all data products ceasing by June 30, 2025.
Several sources I read stated that the microwave sensors on DMSP were particularly useful at night, as they detect changes in hurricane intensity when it’s dark, something other satellites can’t do. This significantly improved first-in-the-morning models.
Thanks to harryd for introducing Punaweb to ECMWF (https://punaweb.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=14980&pid=14980&highlight=ECMWF#pid14980)
“We do this thing not because it is easy, but because we thought it would be easy.”