Search

A fundamental issue associated with the dynamical downscaling technique using limited-area models is related to the presence of a "spatial spin-up" belt close to the lateral boundaries where small-scale features are only partially developed. Here, we introduce a method to identify the distance from the border that is affected by the spatial spin-up (I.e., the spatial spin-up distance) of the precipitation field in convection-permitting model (CPM) simulations. Using a domain over eastern North America, this new method is applied to several simulations that differ on the nesting approach (single or double nesting) and the 3-D variables used to drive the CPM simulation. Our findings highlight three key points. Firstly, when using a single nesting approach, the spin-up distance from lateral boundaries can extend up to 300 km (around 120 CPM grid points), varying across seasons, boundaries, and driving variables. Secondly, the greatest spin-up distances occur in winter at the western and southern boundaries, likely due to strong atmospheric inflow during these seasons. Thirdly, employing a double nesting approach with a comprehensive set of microphysical variables to drive CPM simulations offers clear advantages. The computational gains from reducing spatial spin-up outweigh the costs associated with the more demanding intermediate simulation of the double nesting. These results have practical implications for optimizing CPM simulation configurations, encompassing domain selection and driving strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global warming, the Clausius–Clapeyron (CC) relationship has been widely used as an indicator of the evolution of the precipitation regime, including daily and sub-daily extremes. This study aims to verify the existence of links between precipitation extremes and 2 m air temperature for the Ottawa River Basin (ORB, Canada) over the period 1981–2010, applying an exponential relationship between the 99th percentile of precipitation and temperature characteristics. Three simulations of the Canadian Regional Climate Model version 5 (CRCM5), at three different resolutions (0.44°, 0.22°, and 0.11°), one simulation using the recent CRCM version 6 (CRCM6) at "convection-permitting" resolution (2.5 km), and two reanalysis products (ERA5 and ERA5-Land) were used to investigate the CC scaling hypothesis that precipitation increases at the same rate as the atmospheric moisture-holding capacity (i.e., 6.8%/°C). In general, daily precipitation follows a lower rate of change than the CC scaling with median values between 2 and 4%/°C for the ORB and with a level of statistical significance of 5%, while hourly precipitation increases faster with temperature, between 4 and 7%/°C. In the latter case, rates of change greater than the CC scaling were even up to 10.2%/°C for the simulation at 0.11°. A hook shape is observed in summer for CRCM5 simulations, near the 20–25 °C temperature threshold, where the 99th percentile of precipitation decreases with temperature, especially at higher resolution with the CRCM6 data. Beyond the threshold of 20 °C, it appears that the atmospheric moisture-holding capacity is not the only determining factor for generating precipitation extremes. Other factors need to be considered, such as the moisture availability at the time of the precipitation event, and the presence of dynamical mechanisms that increase, for example, upward vertical motion. As mentioned in previous studies, the applicability of the CC scaling should not be generalised in the study of precipitation extremes. The time and spatial scales and season are also dependent factors that must be taken into account. In fact, the evolution of precipitation extremes and temperature relationships should be identified and evaluated with very high spatial resolution simulations, knowing that local temperature and regional physiographic features play a major role in the occurrence and intensity of precipitation extremes. As precipitation extremes have important effects on the occurrence of floods with potential deleterious damages, further research needs to explore the sensitivity of projections to resolution with various air temperature and humidity thresholds, especially at the sub-daily scale, as these precipitation types seem to increase faster with temperature than with daily-scale values. This will help to develop decision-making and adaptation strategies based on improved physical knowledge or approaches and not on a single assumption based on CC scaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polar lows (PLs) are maritime mesoscale cyclones associated with severe weather. They develop during marine cold air outbreaks near coastlines and the sea ice edge. Unfortunately, our knowledge about the mechanisms leading to PL development is still incomplete. This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of the development mechanisms of a PL that formed over the Norwegian Sea on 25 March 2019 using the output of a simulation with the sixth version of the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM6/GEM4), a convection-permitting model. First, the life cycle of the PL is described and the vertical wind shear environment is analysed. Then, the horizontal wind divergence and the baroclinic conversion term are computed, and a surface pressure tendency equation is developed. In addition, the roles of atmospheric static stability, latent heat release, and surface heat and moisture fluxes are explored. The results show that the PL developed in a forward-shear environment and that moist baroclinic instability played a major role in its genesis and intensification. Baroclinic instability was initially only present at low levels of the atmosphere, but later extended upward until it reached the mid-troposphere. Whereas the latent heat of condensation and the surface heat fluxes also contributed to the development of the PL, convective available potential energy and barotropic conversion do not seem to have played a major role in its intensification. In conclusion, this study shows that a convection-permitting model simulation is a powerful tool to study the details of the structure of PLs, as well as their development mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]