FY-2D retrieved surface temperature change as a predictor for sandstorm forecasting over Northwest China

This paper employed an index called surface temperature change (STC) for assisting the sandstorm forecasting over Northwest China. The index was retrieved from Chinese FY-2D/S-VISSR (Stretched Visible and Infrared Spin-Scan Radiometer) data. For examining the accuracy of sandstorm forecasts that regard STC as a predictor or not, we applied this index to all sandstorm cases that occurred in research region during 2007-2008. The results showed: 1) Employing the STC as a single predictor, 2/7 of those cases were successful predicted; 2) Comparing the sandstorm forecasts which just considered conventional meteorological data with those considered both conventional data and FY-2D retrieved STC, the latter forecasted 1/6 of cases those the former failed to forecast. It indicated that satellite retrieved STC has a little value as a predictor for sandstorm forecasting over northwest China, but only serves as a complement to the ground observations of temperature variations. Because of the ultra high temporal resolution of this index, it would have a better performance in dynamic analysis/rolling forecast cases.