Shorter contribution The contribution of GOES-9 to operational NWP forecast skill in the Australian region

155°E, 0°S in 2003 and has operated over the Western Pacific, Asia and the Australian region as the primary geostationary meteorological satellite by the joint effort of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/ National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NOAA/NESDIS). Since 22 May 2003, GOES-9 GVAR data have been received via direct readout by the Bureau of Meteorology (hereafter referred to as ‘the Bureau’), Victoria, and the calibrated and navigated radiance data (imagery) has subsequently been used to calculate atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs). These operational AMVs are important to Australian region numerical weather prediction (NWP) as no other AMV data are available within operational cut-off times. The method used to determine atmospheric motion differs from that usually employed for GOES series satellite data, particularly in height assignment, error characterisation and quality control. The method resulted from a detailed study of errors in height assignment in the initial experimental system. The AMV data have been used in a real-time trial to gauge their impact on operational regional NWP. Their clear benefit is described below.As a result of this trial these vectors are now being used in the National Meteorological and Oceanographic Centre (NMOC ) for operational regional NWP.