The need for more accurate global precipitation forecasts is growing as climate change is increasing the amount and intensity of water-related disasters like floods and droughts, as well as for the management of water resources.
A research team in Japan has created an algorithm called Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter, or LETKF for short. LETKF is a sophisticated data assimilation program that makes global precipitation fields more accurate by combining real-world observations with computer model simulations to provide accurate, real-time predictions of complex weather systems.
The algorithm uses sensors, satellites, and ground stations to provide more precise predictions and minimize errors by using reanalysis precipitation. LETKF has been shown to provide significant improvements in capturing precipitation patterns, even in mountainous areas and areas with rain-gauge-sparse regions.
The team hopes their algorithm will transform how we prepare for and respond to disasters by reducing uncertainty, mitigating economic losses, supporting sustainable water management, and preventing the stagnation of economic activities caused by extreme weather events.
