Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)‐Based Evaluation of Tropical Cyclone Wind Profiles and a Theory‐Based Radius of Maximum Wind Estimation

Abstract Accurate wind profiles and radius of maximum wind () are critical for reconstructing realistic tropical cyclones (TCs) to predict extreme ocean conditions, including storm surges and waves. Leveraging the expanding Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) database, we conducted the first comprehensive evaluation of commonly used TC wind profile models, demonstrating that a theory‐based model captures a broad range of TCs, outperforming semi‐empirical and empirical models. We then propose inferring with the theory‐based model, with quadrant‐maximum wind radii as inputs to account for TC asymmetry. Evaluated against SAR‐derived , our best estimates are obtained using the wind radius closest to (64‐kt), consistent with the wind profile model's performance. These estimates outperform best‐track and semi‐empirical methods across all ocean basins, and we show that accounting for TC asymmetry significantly improves estimates. Finally, we highlight the challenge of representing the substantial variability observed in TC wind profile shapes.