Evaluation of real-time PM2.5 forecasts with the WRF-CMAQ modeling system and weather-pattern-dependent bias-adjusted PM2.5 forecasts in Taiwan

A real-time air quality forecasting (AQF) system was developed in Taiwan using the Weather Research and Forecasting meteorological model and Community Multiscale Air Quality model framework. This study evaluated the performance of the one-year archived AQF PM2.5 forecasts (October 2018 to September 2019) and developed a bias-correction method to improve the accuracy of the PM2.5 forecasts. The bias-correction method incorporates a cluster-analysis-based synoptic weather pattern (WP) classification (one type of analog method). In principle, the historical model errors are categorized according to the synoptic WP and used to adjust the PM2.5 forecast. First, the synoptic WPs are determined using K-means cluster analysis (six WPs were identified). Second, the historical AQF PM2.5 bias at each surface station is estimated for each classified WP. Third, a linear-regression relationship between the AQF PM2.5 bias and PM2.5 forecasts for the six WPs is developed to postprocess the PM2.5 forecasts. The AQF PM2.5 bias is found to have a strong dependency on the synoptic WP. A performance assessment of the AQF PM2.5 forecasts reveals systematic PM2.5 underprediction, with the most pronounced underprediction occurring on days associated with weak synoptic weather conditions. Under these conditions, a severe PM2.5 event is likely to occur in Taiwan. The bias-correction method is able to reduce the PM2.5 forecast error and improve the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean bias (MB) calculations. The improvement is most significant on days associated with a weak synoptic WP and in regions where high PM2.5 concentrations are likely to occur. The method is shown to be effective at reducing the AQF PM2.5 bias. [Display omitted] •Development of an air quality forecasting system using WRF-CMAQ model framework.•Assessment of one-year PM2.5 forecasts indicate a consistent under-prediction.•Variation of synoptic weather pattern has a significant impact on PM2.5 problem.•Apply a bias-correction method that accounts for the synoptic weather patterns.•The bias-correction method effectively reduces the PM2.5 forecasting bias.