Sani et al. (2026) Coupling WRF with HEC-HMS for streamflow forecasting in typical mountainous catchments of northwestern Iran

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Identification

• Journal: Acta Geophysica
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-09-09
• Authors: Sajad Akbari Moghaddam Sani, Mohammad Reza Kavianpour, Mohammad Saeed Najafi, Razieh Noroozian
• DOI: 10.1007/s11600-026-02016-x

Research Groups

• Department of Hydrology, University of Tehran
• Institute of Water and Flood Management, Iran University of Science and Technology

Short Summary

This study evaluates the predictability of heavy rainfall and runoff forecasting using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with different microphysics, cumulus, and planetary boundary layer parameterizations in northwest Iran. The best configuration is identified for short-term rainfall forecasting tasks.

Objective

• Investigate the effect of physical parameterization on runoff forecasting in the Shahid Kazemi Dam basin using WRF and HEC-HMS models.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Basin scale (upstream of Shahid Kazemi Dam, Zarineh-Rood River)
• Temporal Scale: Short-term (real-time flood forecasting)

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with different microphysics, cumulus, and planetary boundary layer parameterizations; Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS)
• Data sources: Gauge stations' observations, satellite data

Main Results

• The Kessler, MYJ, and Grell 3D schemes show the best results for microphysics, CU, and PBL, respectively.
• Optimal WRF configurations do not always provide the best estimates for runoff in the basin.

Contributions

• This study contributes to developing a dynamic atmospheric-hydrologic integration system by identifying optimal physical parameterizations for short-term rainfall forecasting tasks in northwest Iran.
• The findings can enhance flood prediction accuracy across various watersheds and climatic conditions.

Funding

• This research was funded by the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology (Grant No. 9801006).
• The Institute of Water and Flood Management provided additional support through their internal funding program (Project Code: IWFM-2020-01).

Citation

@article{Sani2026Coupling,
  author = {Sani, Sajad Akbari Moghaddam and Kavianpour, Mohammad Reza and Najafi, Mohammad Saeed and Noroozian, Razieh},
  title = {Coupling WRF with HEC-HMS for streamflow forecasting in typical mountainous catchments of northwestern Iran},
  journal = {Acta Geophysica},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1007/s11600-026-02016-x},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-026-02016-x}
}