Ionospheric peak height behavior for low, middle and high latitudes: A potential empirical model for quiet conditions-Comparison with the IRI-2007 model

► We analyzed the behavior of the hmF2 at different latitudes, seasons and solar activity levels and compared with IRI prediction. ► We encountered reasonable agreement of the IRI prediction but encountered clear disagreements at particular Local time and latitudes. ► We built Fourier based models reducing deviations by 23% and 40% for high and low latitudes compared to IRI prediction.