Dynamics and predictability of middle latitude weather systems and their higher and lower latitude interactions

This theme addresses all aspects of the dynamics and predictability of midlatitude weather systems including Rossby wave trains, high-pressure systems and blocking, extratropical cyclones and fronts, and also embedded mesoscale phenomena. A particular focus is on studies investigating interactions of these midlatitude systems with the (sub)tropics and polar regions, and on high-impact weather events. Also included are novel results from recent field experiments, theoretical and idealised studies, numerical modelling case studies, and ensemble and long-term evaluations of the forecasting performance for specific midlatitude weather systems. The article provides a selective overview of key research accomplishments during the last decade and highlights important open science questions for the coming years - some of them requiring continued international collaboration and increased cooperation between operational weather centres and academic research institutions