High‐resolution temperature climatology for Italy: interpolation method intercomparison

• DOI: 10.1002/joc.3764
• Publication Date: 2013-07-24T14:26:04Z
• Authors: M. Brunetti; M. Maugeri; T. Nanni; C. Simolo; J. Spinoni
• Keywords: Orography; Robustness; Elevation (ballistics); Mean radiant temperature

ABSTRACT High‐resolution monthly temperature climatologies for Italy are presented. They based on a dense and quality‐controlled observational dataset which includes 1484 stations three distinct approaches: multi‐linear regression with local improvements ( MLRLI ), an enhanced version of the model recently used Greater Alpine Region, kriging RK widely in literature and, lastly, weighted linear (LWLR) versus elevation, may be considered more suitable complex orography characterizing Italian territory. Dataset methods both to check station records get 1961–1990 normals discussed. Advantages shortcomings approaches investigated results compared. All lead quite reasonable models normals, lowest errors spring autumn highest winter. The LWLR approach shows slightly better performances than other two, leave‐one‐out estimated root mean square ranging from 0.74 °C (April May) 1.03 (December). Further evidence its favour is greater reliability modelling behaviour temperature‐elevation relationship Italy's comparison different very effective tool understand robustness each approach. Moreover, first two ) turn out important tune third one as they help not only between some physiographical variables but also study decrease covariance distance ).