Title: Meteorological data from numerical weather prediction or observations for dispersion modelling

Authors: Douglas R. Middleton

Addresses: Atmospheric Dispersion Group, Met Office, FitzRoy Road, Exeter EX1 3PB, UK

Abstract: Synoptic observations of wind speed, direction, cloud cover, precipitation and temperature are inputs to regulatory dispersion modelling. Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) data generated by national meteorological services are easily formatted for dispersion models. Changing from observations to NWP data raises concerns amongst regulators and model users – how might impact assessments differ if the source of meteorological data is changed. It is important to identify factors influencing the acceptability of NWP data. This paper compares numerical and surface synoptic meteorological data at locations across the UK. Further work is needed to harmonise the regulatory use of meteorological data.

Keywords: synoptic observations; NWP; numerical weather prediction; meteorological data; regulatory dispersion modelling; Weibull distribution; impact assessment; air quality; air pollution; wind speed; wind direction; cloud cover; precipitation; temperature; UK; United Kingdom.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2011.038405

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2011 Vol.44 No.1/2/3/4, pp.78 - 86

Published online: 29 Apr 2015 *

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