Exploratory use of a satellite cloud mask to verify NWP models

Surface observations of cloud cover for routine verification typically come from manual observations (a human observer makes a visual inspection of the observable sky) or from automated instruments (taking a time‐averaged sample of the cloud passing directly overhead). Each observation type has associated limitations. Here a cloud mask field derived from satellite data is examined as an observation type, providing a top‐down view of cloud cover. This paper shows that the satellite cloud mask field can be used to assess details of spatial bias differences between regional numerical weather prediction (NWP) models over the United Kingdom (UK). The Structure‐Amplitude‐Location (SAL) method is used to show how the distribution of cloud within the NWP model domain can be assessed. Finally the satellite cloud mask is used to derive single site observations which can be used to complement the existing surface observation network, or provide total cloud amount guidance in data sparse locations and shows how it could potentially be used to condition surface observational data in the presence of cirrus.