Articles | Volume 21, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-1135-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-1135-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
31 Mar 2021
Research article |
| 31 Mar 2021
| 31 Mar 2021
The heavy precipitation event of 14–15 October 2018 in the Aude catchment: a meteorological study based on operational numerical weather prediction systems and standard and personal observations
CNRM, Université de Toulouse, Météo-France, CNRS, Toulouse, France
Marc Mandement
CNRM, Université de Toulouse, Météo-France, CNRS, Toulouse, France
François Bouttier
CNRM, Université de Toulouse, Météo-France, CNRS, Toulouse, France
Judith Eeckman
CNRM, Université de Toulouse, Météo-France, CNRS, Toulouse, France
IMFT, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
Cindy Lebeaupin Brossier
CNRM, Université de Toulouse, Météo-France, CNRS, Toulouse, France
Alexane Lovat
CNRM, Université de Toulouse, Météo-France, CNRS, Toulouse, France
Observing Systems Division, Météo-France, Toulouse, France
Olivier Nuissier
CNRM, Université de Toulouse, Météo-France, CNRS, Toulouse, France
Olivier Laurantin
Observing Systems Division, Météo-France, Toulouse, France
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This present article demonstrates how numerical simulations with very high horizontal resolution (150 m) can contribute to better understanding the key physical processes (turbulence and microphysics) that lead to Mediterranean heavy precipitation.
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A kilometre-scale coupled ocean–atmosphere simulation is used to study the impact of a medicane on the oceanic upper layer. The processes responsible for the surface cooling are comparable to those of weak tropical cyclones. The oceanic response is influenced by the dynamics of the central Mediterranean. In particular, a cyclonic eddy leads to weaker cooling. Heavy rain occuring early in the event creates a salinity barrier layer, reinforcing the effects of the surface fluxes on the cooling.
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Short summary
This study focuses on the heavy precipitation event of 14 and 15 October 2018, which caused deadly flash floods in the Aude basin in south-western France.
The case is studied from a meteorological point of view using various operational numerical weather prediction systems, as well as a unique combination of observations from both standard and personal weather stations. The peculiarities of this case compared to other cases of Mediterranean heavy precipitation events are presented.
This study focuses on the heavy precipitation event of 14 and 15 October 2018, which caused...
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