Cloud Forecast Accuracy

13
Sep

Cloud Forecast Accuracy

This set of images compares the actual infrared satellite image for midday Saturday 13th September 2008 with forecasts made on the same day and up to 5 days ahead. The forecasts made up to 2-3 days ahead are quite accurate, so that a reasonable estimate of the astronomy prospects for a Saturday night could be made on the Thursday beforehand. While the general trends are still correct in the 5 day forecast, the details for a particular location become much less accurate.

Saturday 13th September 2008
Same Day Forecast
1 Day Ahead
2 Days Ahead
3 Days Ahead
5 Days Ahead



7Timer APanel Forecast

The APanel Forecast from 7Timer is based on the same US Global Forecast System (GFS) model used to generate the cloud forecast maps above. There is however some re-intepretation of the data which results in slightly more optimistic forecast since the GFS model can be a little conservative. For the same Saturday in the forecasts you can see that APanel also shows clear sky for Melbourne at 1300.

Saturday 13th September 2008
APanel Forecast



Cloud Levels and the difference between Infrared/Visible Satellite Images

Low-level clouds are generally classified as below a height of 2,000m (6500ft), mid-level clouds from 2,000-6,000m (6,500-20,000ft) and high-level cloud generally above 6,000m (20,000ft).

This set of images shows two different types of satellite images together with forecasts for cloud at different height levels. Although the difference is not very well shown in these images, infrared satellite images show high cloud very strongly but can miss some low cloud because the temperature of the cloud is very similar to the ground surface temperature. Visible images can be more useful for showing low cloud in these circumstances. Conversely, thin high cloud can be hard to see on visible satellite images.

For astronomers looking at night time satellite images, infrared is your only option!

Visible Satellite Image
Low Level Cloud Forecast
Mid Level Cloud Forecast
Infra-red Satellite Image
High Level Cloud Forecast



US Air Force MM5 Model

The US Air Force also has a cloud forecast for the Australian region available on their website. It shows cloud top temperatures (higher cloud = colder temperatures) and appears to only plot the temperature where cloud cover is above a certain level so it tends to under-estimate cloud cover. However, it is useful for comparison with the GFS model, is much easier to access and appear to be updated more rapidly.

Saturday 13th September 2008
Air Force MM5 Model Forecast



More GFS Forecast Comparisons

Below are a series of comparisons between infrared satellite images and GFS forecasts made one day beforehand. I will keep adding to this series.

Friday 12th September 2008
1 Day Ahead Forecast
Saturday 13th September 2008
1 Day Ahead Forecast