Observation Preprocessing System for RC LACE (OPLACE)

Meteorological observations are indispensable for the initialization of numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecast. To enable the application of observations in NWP models a technical preprocessing is necessary. Within the framework of RC LACE (Regional Cooperation for Limited Area modelling in Central Europe) consortium, a common observation preprocessing system (OPLACE) has been built up to deliver meteorological observations in an appropriate format for data assimilation in the NWP system ALADIN (Air Limiteee Adaptation Dynamique Developpment International) The purpose of this paper is to document the OPLACE data sources, preprocessing steps and means to make preprocessed observations available. Furthermore, it describes an exchange of dense national surface synoptic measurements and high-resolution aircraft data in real-time among RC LACE national meteorological services (NMS) of Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.