Simulation of tropical cyclones using regional weather prediction models

Two non-hydrostatic mesoscale models, namely the Regional Atmospheric Model ling System (RAMS) and the PSU/NCAR Fifth-Generation Mesoscale Model (MM5) have been used to simulate various meteorological features associated with the tropical cyclones formed over the Bay of Bengal. Some of the simulation results, such as the horizontal distributions of winds, temperature, assoc iated rainfall, cyclone tracks, moisture convection and height of the plane tary boundary layer have been presented. These results are compared with th e observations to assess the capability of these models in simulating vario us meteorological phenomena over the Indian subcontinent and it is establis hed that the RMS errors for predicted zonal winds U, the meridional winds V , and the temperature T are within the acceptable limits. Both the models a re also able to produce the warm core structure of the tropical cyclones. W e also highlight a few potential areas of research to improve the model sim ulations of various weather events, specific to this region.