  The optimization and scheduling of scientific observations done with
instrumentation supported by adaptive optics could greatly benefit from the
forecast of PSF figures of merit (FWHM, Strehl Ratio, Encircle Energy and
contrast), that depend on the AO instrument, the scientific target and
turbulence conditions during the observing night. In this contribution we
explore the the possibility to forecast a few among the most useful PSF figures
of merit (SR and FWHM). To achieve this goal, we use the optical turbulence
forecasted by the mesoscale atmospheric model Astro-Meso-NH on a short
timescale as an input for PSF simulation software developed and tailored for
specific AO instruments. A preliminary validation will be performed by
comparing the results with on-sky measured PSF figures of merit obtained on
specific targets using the SCAO systems SOUL (FLAO upgrade) feeding the camera
LUCI at LBT and SAXO, the extreme SCAO system feeding the high resolution
SPHERE instrument at VLT. This study will pave the way to the implementation of
an operational forecasts of such a figure of merits on the base of existing
operational forecast system of the atmosphere (turbulence and atmospheric
parameters). In this contribution we focus our attention on the forecast of the
PSF on-axis.
