Physical modeling supporting a storyline approach

The concept of analyzing and communicating high-impact events in the climate change context via storylines has recently gained popularity in the climate modeling community. For instance, the use of case studies or storylines that could illustrate climate risk narratives has been discussed in the recent IPCC expert meeting for regional climate information (IPCC 2018a). This also calls for an expert discussion on challenges and best practices for the creation of credible storylines of high-impact weather or climate features using physical modeling and knowledge creation.

In April 2019, climate scientists came together at a workshop discussing physical modeling supporting a storyline approach. The workshop contributed to the implementation of the WCRP Strategic Plan 2019-2028, in support of innovation in the generation of decision-relevant information and knowledge about the evolving Earth system through the framework of the WCRP Grand Challenge on Weather and Climate Extremes. This report provides a summary of the outcomes from the workshop and recommendations for future application of storylines to physical aspects of climate change