The added value of km-scale simulations to describe temperature over complex orography: the CORDEX FPS-Convection multi-model ensemble runs over the Alps

Abstract The increase in computational resources has enabled the emergence of multi-model ensembles convection-permitting regional climate model (CPRCM) simulations at very high horizontal resolutions. An example is CORDEX Flagship Pilot Study on “Convective phenomena resolution over Europe and Mediterranean”, a set kilometre-scale an extended Alpine domain. This first-of-its-kind ensemble, forced by ERA-Interim reanalysis, can be considered benchmark dataset. study uses recently proposed metric to determine added value all available hindcast for maximum minimum temperature. analysis performed using state-of-the-art gridded station observations as ground truth. approach directly assesses between high-resolution CPRCMs against their driving global coarser RCM counterparts. Overall, models display some modest gains, but also considerable shortcomings are exhibited. In part, these deficiencies attributed assimilation temperature into ERA-Interim. Although gains use limited, improvement spatial representation local atmospheric circulations land–atmosphere interactions ultimately lead particularly coastal areas.