Medicane Daniel in Greece: A Model Evaluation Study

The present research poster considered  a comprehensive case study of the medicane ‘Daniel’. The storm  struck Central Greece, particularly Thessaly, between September 4-7, 2023. The event was primarily triggered by omega blocking, where a high-pressure system became trapped between two low-pressure zones, leading to severe weather conditions and extreme precipitation. The following severe flooding caused loss of lives, widespread destructioon of road infrastructure, property damage and devastation to agricultural lands.

 A combination of upper-air and surface data was employed to perform in-depth analysis of the atmospheric dynamics before, during, and after the event. Wind patterns, pressure systems, and temperature variations, which contributed to the formation and intensification of the medicane were the key meteorological factors taken into consideration. The Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) was utilized in various simulation scenarios to simulate the event’s behavior, providing valuable insights into its development, progression and the associated extreme weather conditions.

Overall, the case study highlights the critical importance of an deeper understanding of the meteorological factors driving such phenomena, as well as the role of simulations in forecasting and minimizing their impacts. Hopefully, the present effort will contribute to the further implementation of robust early-warning systems and enhance governmental preparedness to safeguard citizens from future extreme weather events.