High-resolution real-time weather forecasts have been performed for the Pacific Northwest for several years using the mm5 mesoscale model. Much has been learned about the mesoscale weather patterns in the region and their response to the large-scale environment. This work suggests that global warming might not produce a direct linear response in the region.

Mesoscale processes, such as increased mountain convection, more frequent marine stratus, and more intrusions of cold air from the continental interior, will likely play an essential role in the response of the region as climate change becomes more significant. These processes can only be represented in mesoscale model simulations at resolutions below 20 km.

In this talk, work on nesting the mm5 model within a global climate model simulations will be presented. The climate response and implications for regional impacts, such as air quality and hydrology, will be discussed.