Evaluation of Bio-meteorological indices based on Observational data and Model simulations for an Urban Tropical Coastal Region in Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

Weather research forecast model simulations were performed in summer month in order to evaluate the bio-meteorological indices in the tropical urban coastal site. Assessment and forecast of thermal indices is an important component in human bio-meteorological and health related studies. Different model PBL schemes were also compared to the simulation with observations. The simulated meteorological parameters and derived bio meteorological indices for urban and rural sites are also discussed. Thermally driven land sea breeze circulation influences the local environment and bio-meteorological conditions. Bio-thermal indices of effective temperature, dry cooling power index and related thermal comfort were underestimated by the model due to overestimation of wind speed in model simulation. Simulation based bio-meteorological indices PET are overestimated by about 2- 3 °C. The derived other bio-meteorological indices are also discussed and compared with simplified Environmental modeling system. The present study shows that the model simulation can provide alternative tool for studying bio-meteorological indices.