Rainfall Data [what period is coverred]

[jhamilton]

Hi,
I am testing the hysplit model and I am preparing input data based on the ecmwf model. My question relates to the 6-hour rainfall values and to what period is coverred by each rainfall slot. Suppose I want a rainfall value for 12Z [i.e. I have U, V, T etc at 12Z]. I can produce rainfall from 6Z to 12Z, from 9Z to 15Z or from 12Z to 18Z. Which one should I use. Thanks.
James Hamilton
Met Eireann -- Irish Meteolological Service

[glenn.rolph]

James:

You want the precipitation that ends at the time of the meteorological record, so in this case you want the 6z to 12z precipitation for the 12z data record.

[jhamilton]

Thanks