Abstract:
Simulating high-intensity rainfall events that trigger local floods using a Numerical Weather
Prediction model is challenging as rain-bearing systems are highly complex and localized. In this
study, we analyze the performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model’s capability
in simulating a high-intensity rainfall event using a variety of parameterization combinations over
the Kampala catchment, Uganda. The study uses the high-intensity rainfall event that caused the
local flood hazard on 25 June 2012 as a case study. The model capability to simulate the high-intensity
rainfall event is performed for 24 simulations with a different combination of eight microphysics
(MP), four cumulus (CP), and three planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes. The model results
are evaluated in terms of the total 24-h rainfall amount and its temporal and spatial distributions
over the Kampala catchment using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal
Solution (TOPSIS) analysis. Rainfall observations from two gauging stations and the CHIRPS satellite
product served as benchmark.