Evaluation of regional climate simulations over the Great Lakes region driven by three global data sets

► Regional climate modeling (RCM) of the Great Lakes region is assessed using NARR data. ► The RCM captures the spatial and seasonal variability of mean climate conditions. ► But the results show consistent wet and cold biases over the region. ► The RCM adequately describes the impact of the Great Lakes on the region's climate. ► The results are better in winter and worse in summer, and better aloft than surface.