Verification of ceiling and visibility forecasts using the ranked probability score

Abstract

A terminal forecast verification scheme employing the ranked probability score (rps) has been developed. The forecast is interpreted in terms of probabilities of six operationally significant ceiling and visibility classes using probability interpretations of the terms vrbl, ocnl, RSK, etc. Comparison with the rps of climatological and persistence forecasts permits the assessment of forecast skill.

To illustrate the technique, five months of forecasts for Winnipeg International Airport have been examined. The subjective forecast shows skill over climatology for the first five hours of the forecast period. A persistence forecast shows skill over climatology for three hours into the period and is a little superior to the subjective forecast in the first hour.