Assimilation of satellite imager data and surface observations to improve analysis of circulations forced by cloud shading contrasts

Over land, the MM4 computes surface temperatures using a prognostic surface energy budget equation that includes terms representing the sensible and latent heat fluxes to the atmosphere, sensible heat flux into the soil, and solar and infrared radiative fluxes (Zhang and Anthes 1982). [...]the system is relatively efficient computationally. [...]it is feasible that, pending further testing and evaluation, the system could be deployed at local forecast offices as an aid in the nowcasting of convective initiation.