Evaluation of Regional Climate Models (RCMs) Using Precipitation and Temperature-Based Climatic Indices: A Case Study of Florida, USA

The overarching objective of this study was to evaluate the performance nine precipitation-based and twelve temperature-based climatic indices derived from four regional climate models (CRCM5-UQUAM, CanRCM4, RCA4 HIRHAM5) driven by three global circulation (CanESM2, EC-EARTH MPI-ESM-LR) their ensemble mean for reference period 31 years (1975–2005). absolute biases, pattern correlation, reduction variance (RV) Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI at 3-, 6- 12-month aggregate periods) techniques were used model simulations. result, in general, shows each has a skill reproducing least one considered study. Based on correlation however, EC-EARTH.HIRHAM5 MPI-ESM-LR.CRCM5-UQAM RCMs showed relatively good observed as compared other EC-EARTH.RCA4, CanESM2.RCA4 when evaluated using variance. better indices. There no exceptional differences among SPEI, but CanESM2.CRCM5-UQAM, EC-EARTH.RCA4 performed comparison models. some implications potential application change impact studies future trend analysis extreme events. They could help developing an early warning system mitigate prepare possible impacts extremes (e.g., drought) vulnerability across Florida.