An evaluation of cloud microphysical parameterization schemes at 1.667 km resolution in the simulation of super cyclone Amphan and extremely severe cyclonic storm Phailin

Present work was an attempt to analyze the performance of the Advanced Research version of WRF (ARW) model in simulation of a super-cyclone Amphan and an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Phailin over Bay of Bengal using nine different cloud microphysical parameterization schemes (CMPSs). The major focus was to estimate intensity, structures, secondary eyewall formation (SEF), and movement on a cloud-resolving scale of about 1.667 km resolution. Results were validated with IMD best-fit track observations, Doppler Weather Radar, and satellite observations. The Results suggested that the least track error was found with THOMPSON CMP with a mean track error of less than 100 km. The mean absolute error of MSW is less than 8 ms−1 in all the experiments with the least in NSSL-2mom-2 and THOMPSON CMPSs. The correlation coefficient varies from 0.84 to 0.94 in terms of MSW and also for rapid intensification varies from 0.76 to 0.98. The maximum reflectivity of both storms was well simulated with NSSL-2mom-2 and THOMPSON CMPSs in terms of pattern and spatial distribution. The results from the 3D-diagram suggested that primary and secondary eyewalls were simulated vertically up to 600 hPa in NSSL-2mom and THOMPSON experiments and provided a better estimate of the storms.