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Note: HRES and Ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES) are scientifically, structurally and computationally identical.  With effect from Cy49r1, Ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES) output is equivalent to HRES output shown in the diagrams.   At the time of the diagrams, HRES had resolution of 9km and ensemble members had a resolution of 18km.

Considerations when using Tropical Cyclone products

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Fig8.1.16.3-4: An illustration of what can happen when the model resolution is increased.   HRES model performance Aug-Nov 2015 using test runs (~9km resolution - Red;  ~16km resolution - Blue), both without ocean coupling.  On average, ~9km resolution forecast location error is slightly better to about Day5 but marginally worse from Day5 to Day7.  However, beyond about Day5 the low sample size makes statistics unreliable and ~9km resolution is unlikely to be significantly different to ~16km resolution. Users should note that this diagram is included only to illustrate that  resolution changes have a significant impact.  Before ocean-atmosphere coupling was introduced in June 2018 there was a tendency to over-deepen cyclones.

Note: HRES and Ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES) are scientifically, structurally and computationally identical.  With effect from Cy49r1, Ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES) output is equivalent to HRES output shown in the diagrams.   At the time of the diagrams, HRES had resolution of 9km and ensemble members had a resolution of 18km.

Comparing Cy48r1 and Cy49r1 tropical cyclone forecasts

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Fig8.1.16.3-9: Strike probabilities for tropical cyclone17W up to 10 August 2017 (T+240) based on ensemble and HRES forecasts, data time 12UTC 1 August 2017.  It is notable that the ensemble mean track (dotted line) and the tracks of the majority of ensemble members veer eastwards towards mid-Pacific as extra-tropical transition occurs while HRES (solid line) and a few ensemble members curve the low pressure centre westwards towards Japan.  

Note: HRES and Ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES) are scientifically, structurally and computationally identical.  With effect from Cy49r1, Ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES) output is equivalent to HRES output shown in the diagrams.   At the time of the diagrams, HRES had resolution of 9km and ensemble members had a resolution of 18km.

Fig8.1.16.3-10: The same case as in Fig8.1.16.3-8.  Top: Probability from ensemble members for tropical cyclone 17W to fall into each of the 5 tropical cyclone intensity categories shown at 6hr intervals to 10 days.  Centre and Bottom:  Lagrangian meteograms of distribution of the ensemble for the 10m wind (kt) and MSLP (hPa) at tropical cyclone 17W centre.  Tropical cyclone 17W is considered to have become extra-tropical by Day9 and central pressure and wind information is discontinued at that time.  HRES central pressure and winds diverge from the ensemble beyond Day5 and forecasts cease as winds fall below the threshold for a tropical cyclone to exist and the depression effectively transitions to become extra-tropical (or even non-existent) sooner than it appears to in most (~80%, see top row) of the ensemble members. 

Note: HRES and Ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES) are scientifically, structurally and computationally identical.  With effect from Cy49r1, Ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES) output is equivalent to HRES output shown in the diagrams.   At the time of the diagrams, HRES had resolution of 9km and ensemble members had a resolution of 18km.

Misleading Indications of Threat areas.

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Fig8.1.16.3-11: Strike probabilities of NORU up to 17 August 2017 (T+240) based on ensemble and HRES forecast, data time 00UTC 7 August 2017.  ensemble mean track (dotted line) and HRES track (solid line).  Crosses mark previous positions of  NORU. The strike threat area is shifted to the northwest of the forecast track of the centre shown by the ensemble mean (dotted line), and the HRES (solid line), whereas the strike threat should be approximately centred on the ensemble mean track.  

Note: HRES and Ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES) are scientifically, structurally and computationally identical.  With effect from Cy49r1, Ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES) output is equivalent to HRES output shown in the diagrams.   At the time of the diagrams, HRES had resolution of 9km and ensemble members had a resolution of 18km.

Genesis: Tropical Cyclone Activity charts

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RSMC official forecasts of tropical cyclones take precedence

Note: IFS products on these pages regarding tropical cyclones are generated automatically without any editing by forecast experts.   RSMCs (Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres) have ultimate responsibility for official forecasts of tropical cyclones within their respective regions (ECMWF is one of a number of centres that provide data to them).  Up-to-date information is available by direct access to official RSMC forecasts through the WMO Severe Weather Information Centre.  For up-to-date forecast information for their own local area users should refer to forecasts from their own National Meteorological Service.

Additional Sources of Information

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