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The microwave radiances are key observations especially over data sparse regions for operational data assimilation in numerical weather prediction (NWP). An often applied simplification is that these observations are used as point measurements, however, the satellite field-of-view may cover many grid points of high-resolution models. Therefore, we examine a solution in high-resolution data assimilation to better account for the spatial representation of the radiance observations. This solution is based on a footprint operator implemented and tested in the variational assimilation scheme of the AROME-Arctic (Application of Research to Operations at Mesoscale – Arctic) limited-area model. In this paper, the design and technical challenges of the microwave radiance footprint operator are presented. In particular, implementation strategies, the representation of satellite field-of-view ellipses, and the emissivity retrieval inside the footprint area are discussed. Furthermore, the simulated brightness temperatures and the sub-footprint variability are analysed in a case study indicating particular areas where the use of the footprint operator is expected to provide significant added value. For radiances measured by the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) and Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) sensors, the standard deviation of the observation minus background (OmB) departures are computed on a short period in order to compare the statistics of the default and the implemented footprint observation operator. For all operationally used AMSU-A and MHS channels, it is shown that the standard deviation of OmB departures is reduced when the footprint operator is applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is in direct line with the Concordiasi international project. It aims to better constrain atmospheric analyses by improving the assimilation of low-level Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU)-A and AMSU-B microwave observations over Antarctica. So far, a very small amount of available AMSU observations is effectively assimilated over Antarctica. To assimilate more observations, different issues have to be dealt with. In this work, the surface emissivity issue over Antarctica is examined. In a first step, a thorough review of the use of a specular assumption to calculate emissivity from AMSU-A measurements has been undertaken. The effect of five different assumptions about the surface on retrieved AMSU emissivities has then been evaluated using a one-year database: specular, Lambertian, and three intermediate assumptions. Simulations of brightness temperatures at AMSU sounding frequencies have been produced using a radiative transfer model. The emissivities obtained using the five assumptions have been found very useful in improving these simulations. The most successful schemes are found to be the Lambertian scheme during the winter season and a specular or an intermediate scheme (50% specular, 50% Lambertian) during Antarctica's short summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After successful launch in November 2018 and successful commissioning of Metop-C, all three satellites of the EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS) are in orbit together and operational. EPS is part of the Initial Joint Polar System (IJPS) with the United States (NOAA) and provides the service in the midmorning orbit. The Metop satellites carry a mission payload of sounding and imaging instruments, which allow provision of support to operational meteorology and climate monitoring, which are the main mission objectives for EPS. Applications include numerical weather prediction, atmospheric composition monitoring, and marine meteorology. Climate monitoring is supported through the generation of long time series through the program duration of 20+ years. The payload was developed and contributed by partners, including NOAA, CNES, and ESA. EUMETSAT and ESA developed the space segment in cooperation. The system has proven its value since the first satellite Metop-A, with enhanced products at high reliability for atmospheric sounding, delivered a very strong positive impact on NWP and results beyond expectations for atmospheric composition and chemistry applications. Having multiple satellites in orbit—now three—has enabled enhanced and additional products with increased impact, like atmospheric motion vector products at latitudes not accessible to geostationary observations or increased probability of radio occultations and hence atmospheric soundings with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Radio-Occultation Atmospheric Sounder (GRAS) instruments. The paper gives an overview of the system and the embarked payload and discusses the benefits of generated products for applications and services. The conclusions point to the follow-on system, currently under development and assuring continuity for another 20+ years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]