When issuing a forecast for the weather and sea conditions associated with a cold front, it is critical to use all available information - from observations ranging from traditional satellite imagery to the new types of products from scatterometers and altimeters. Having more real-time data lets you better assess the current situation (atmospheric and marine) and evaluate the performance of the NWP model fields that are being used as part of the analysis and the forecast.
The introduction of ASCAT data into marine weather forecasting lets forecasters compare wind speeds detected by the satellite against observational data and NWP wind fields. ASCAT wind data is particularly valuable in areas where there are no direct observations of surface winds.
Here is an ASCAT and MSG visible image from the case.
This next plot shows winds from ASCAT plotted over the 10 m winds forecast by the GFS model at 06 UTC on 25 November to help determine any differences between the two. Notice the remarkable similarity in the wind fields between the two datasets, especially surrounding the frontal band. The shift in wind direction from northwesterly to southwesterly across the front is consistent between both fields, as well as the slight directional perturbations in the wind field southwest of the cold front. Wind speeds between the two fields are also comparable, with the strongest winds reaching 30 to 40kt north of the storm’s center.
In closing, this case demonstrates how ASCAT data can be an important complimentary tool for marine weather forecasting, particularly when trying to place cold fronts and weather systems within bands of cloud cover.