Optical turbulence prediction using WRF Model

The optical turbulence forecasting has become a necessary information for an optimal programmation of the astronomical observations, called "flexible scheduling". We propose the prediction of the optical turbulence by means of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model combined with an optical turbulence model. We performed a set of simulations to obtain a 24-hours period forecast for optical turbulence parameters above the Calern observatory. We present the results of our forecasting and comparisons with the CATS (Calern Atmospheric Turbulence Station) measurements.