A comprehensive database on synoptic and local circulation over Sicily formesoscale applications

The aim of this work is to present a database of information available on t he island of Sicily (Italy) to be used for the evaluation and/or the calibr ation of the numerical mesoscale meteorological models. The database relate s to land type and land cover of the island as well as to meteorological fi elds collected at various locations over a time span of various years. The analysis of the database provides information on spatiotemporal variability of characteristic meteorological patterns on the mesoscale range over the island. Specific wind and temperature values characteristic of the regional circulation on the island are presented in the database and analyzed in th is paper. The available data have different sources (fixed monitoring stati ons or measuring campaigns, remote-sensing instruments), and refer to verti cal soundings or to measurements at fixed heights. Air temperature, wind sp eed and wind direction are among the meteorological parameters taken into a ccount. The temporal frequency of the data ranges from 10 minutes to 24 hou rs.