ML4WX

Nowcasting

Precipitation Nowcasting with Weather Radar Images and Deep Learning in São Paulo, Brasil

Suzanna Maria Bonnet, Alexandre G. Evsukoff, Carlos Augusto Morales

Atmosphere ·

PaperPDF

In one sentence. Applies the PredRNN++ video prediction model to São Paulo radar reflectivity sequences, forecasting up to 1 h ahead as a nowcasting aid.

Abstract

Precipitation nowcasting can predict and alert for any possibility of abrupt weather changes which may cause both human and material risks. Most of the conventional nowcasting methods extrapolate weather radar echoes, but precipitation nowcasting is still a challenge, mainly due to rapid changes in meteorological systems and time required for numerical simulations. Recently video prediction deep learning (VPDL) algorithms have been applied in precipitation nowcasting. In this study, we use the VPDL PredRNN++ and sequences of radar reflectivity images to predict the future sequence of reflectivity images for up to 1-h lead time for São Paulo, Brazil. We also verify the feasibility for the continuous use of the VPDL model, providing the meteorologist with trends and forecasts in precipitation edges regardless of the weather event occurring. The results obtained confirm the potential of the VPDL model as an additional tool to assist nowcasting. Even though meteorological systems that trigger natural disasters vary by location, a general solution can contribute as a tool to assist decision-makers and consequently issue efficient alerts.

Labels

Topic
Nowcasting
Type
New model or method
Method
RNN / LSTM / ConvLSTM, CNN / U-Net
Time scale
0–6 h
Domain
Regional
Data
Radar
Status
Research
Identifiers
DOI:10.3390/atmos11111157 OpenAlex:W3097431378
Added
2026-10-22

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