Sub-regional observing and forecast system for the NE Baltic: Needs and first results

Abstract

Following the operational observing system development under BOOS and application of local stand-alone coastal circulation models, acquisition of HIROMB forecasts started regularly in 2005. The forecasts, working on-line with the operational observations (automatic coastal stations and recently, also FerryBox), proved very useful in numerous cases, especially during storm surges and broadcasting relevant warnings well in advance of critical floodings. For the intermediate and downstream services that require resolving of detailed patterns of mesoscale and coastal circulation, installation and application of 0.5-mile resolution HIROMB started in 2007. The system is integrated with the Baltic-wide HIROMB and is driven by sub-regional HIRLAM weather data with enhanced resolution, forecasted and delivered by the Estonian Meteorological and Hydrological Institute.