Optimization of physical schemes in WRF model on cyclone simulations over Bay of Bengal using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test

Evaluation of appropriate physics parameterization schemes for the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is vital for accurately forecasting tropical cyclones. Three cyclones Nargis, Titli and Fani have been chosen to investigate the combination of five cloud microphysics (MP), three cumulus convection (CC), and two planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes of the WRF model (ver. 4.0) with ARW core with respect to track and intensity to determine an optimal combination of these physical schemes. The initial and boundary conditions for sensitivity experiments are drawn from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) global forecasting system (GFS) data. Simulated track and intensity of three cyclonic cases are compared with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) observations. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is applied to check the significance of the data obtained from the model. Further, Tukey’s test is applied for post-hoc analysis in order to identify the cluster of treatments close to IMD observations for all three cyclones. Results are obtained through the statistical analysis; average root means square error (RMSE) of intensity throughout the cyclone period and time error at landfall with the step-by-step elimination method. Through the elimination method, the optimal scheme combination is obtained. The YSU planetary boundary layer with Kain–Fritsch cumulus convection and Ferrier microphysics scheme combination is identified as an optimal combination in this study for the forecasting of tropical cyclones over the Bay of Bengal.