Impact of nonlocal boundary-layer diffusion scheme on forecasts over Indian region

Summary The results of incorporating a nonlocal boundary-layer diffusion scheme in a forecast model over Indian region are discussed. The simple formulation of atmospheric boundary layer height in the nonlocal diffusion scheme is examined in detail to understand how far the model simulated boundary layer height is realistic. Analyses of the temporal and spatial variability of the boundary height for three cases representing premonsoon, active monsoon and post monsoon conditions over Indian region show that it is comparable with the observational evidence. Further, for a case of active monsoon condition over Indian region, comparison of precipitation forecasts with the nonlocal scheme and the control local boundary-layer scheme clearly indicated that the model run with the nonlocal scheme is significantly more accurate in forecasting the intense precipitation locations. Received November 16, 2001 Revised December 28, 2001