WRF simulations of the November 11, 2003 AIRS II field experiment

This paper will compare WRF model simulations utilizing recently developed bulk microphysical parameterization and data collected during the AIRS II 2003 field experiment. The new scheme is designed to be used for the forecasting of freezing drizzle in mid-latitude winter storms. The paper with focus on a case study day of November 11, 2003 during the field experiment. This case study is of warm frontal NW-SE oriented precipitation cloud bands that moved through the field study area between Ottawa, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec. These bands were associated with warm air advection ahead of a developing surface low pressure system over Wisconsin. During this period the precipitation over the field area changed from snow to drizzle with icing conditions aloft observed by three research aircraft. The paper will discuss the major attributes of the new scheme and present comparisons with in-situ aircraft and radar data. Additional microphysical model developments including improvements to the rain water and snow field interactions and other microphysical spectra assumptions will be discussed.