NUCAPS Mixing Ratio

Looking at NUCAPS plan view this afternoon, decided to look at mixing ratios to see how it compared with the latest RUC model run.  At 700 mb (top two panels with NUCAPS on left and RAP on right), it looks like both are generally showing a dry tongue stretching up from Tennessee across Missouri.  They are also both in good agreement on the mixing ratios over our new forecast area of FSD.  Overall, very impressed how well NUCAPS matches up with the latest model data at 700mb.

Looking a bit farther lower at 850mb (lower panels), it looks like mixing ratios overall are slightly less than what the RAP is indicating.  This may be an indication we are getting a bit too low in the atmosphere for NUCAPS to handle things.  Thus, confidence may be a bit better at levels at or above 700mb, but not so good for 850mb or lower.  Overall, as you get closer to the surface, it looks like there is a tendency for NUCAPS to trend towards a drier  solution than the models.  Will be looking at the experimental NUCAPS here shortly to see how it compares.

-ISU2004