Wind climatology between 950 and 500 hPa over the Mediterranean area above Italy

Summary In order to improve the simulation of wind probability distributions at ground level, eight years of wind data of the multivariate analyses at 850, 700, 500 hPa levels over Italy, and eleven years of wind radiosoundings performed at 5 Italian Air Force stations at 950, 900, 800, 700, 600, and 500 hPa have been processed. The vertical profiles of the distribution parameters of wind speed present predictable behaviour, with the exception of Brindisi. The frequency distribution profiles of the wind directions are more complex. Temporarily seconded to the RISOE National Laboratory (DK) as part of the EEC-DGXII Programme ?Stimulation Action?.