WRF Simulations of a Severe Squall Line: Comparison Against High-resolution Microphysical, Thermodynamic and Kinematic Measurements from BAMEX

High-resolution multi-sensor microphysical, radar and sounding data collected during the Bow Echo and Mesoscale Convective Vortex Experiment (BAMEX 2003) have provided an opportunity for comparison of modeled and observed structure of squall lines. A severe squall line on 10 June 2003 (IOP7A) produced two distinct bow echoes before evolving into a mature MCS with an extensive trailing stratiform region. This case has been modeled at high resolution with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Simulation results are compared against in-situ microphysical measurements and dual Dopppler radar data collected by the NOAA P-3 aircraft and dropsonde data obtained from a Learjet. Assessment of radar reflectivity and microphysical, thermodynamic and kinematic structure in the trailing stratiform region are used to quantify the ability of WRF to adequately predict squall line morphology of this case and the liquid and ice mass contents that critically impact predictions of latent cooling. Comparisons made here will classify the robustness of model simulations of this case for future use in studies of latent cooling and rear inflow jet evolution.