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Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) Professional Development Series

Unit 2: Understanding Current Characteristics of Operational NWP Models

Unit 3: Using Numerical Guidance in the Forecast Process

What can you expect from the Eta-12?

Stephen Jascourt (UCAR/COMET)

Some graphics from Bill Bua (UCAR/COMET), NCEP/EMC web pages, and
Bob Rabin's satellite winds web page (supported by UW-Madison/SSEC/CIMSS and NOAA/NSSL with GOES data from NOAA/NESDIS)

1) Introduction

    The NCEP Eta model is now running with a grid spacing of 12 km and mixed-phase microphysics which includes advection of falling condensate. What have we learned so far about what the model is and is not capable of forecasting well? This session focuses on case examples illustrating various aspects of model performance related to how the model parameterizations work and how much detail related to topography and surface forcing can be seen in the model fields. Some forecast verification statistics are also shown for different regions, indicating regional variation in performance related to the topics discussed. A model fix to heat fluxes through snowcover is explained and its impact on the forecast and analysis is shown. Finally, two new developments being tested are summarized - use of a nonhydrostatic, hybrid sigma-pressure coordinate model for the high-resolution window runs and interfacing with the HYSPLIT dispersion model for use in emergency hazardous release situations.

2) Prerequisites

    familiarity with use of the NCEP operational Eta model in forecasting .

    This is an Intermediate level session.


3) Teletraining Installation Instructions


4) Training Session Options:

    A.) The interactive VISITview training session. (To be used with a VISIT instructor leading the session ). Click here to signup for teletraining. The session will last 75 minutes. This teletraining session uses the VISITview software, where Windows PC (with 64 MB RAM or greater) with an Internet connection is needed.

    B.) Web-based training session - a "stand alone" version viewed via a Web browser, with embedded talking points included. This lesson version may be viewed at any time. These slides are ideal for printing from the web-browser, just print preview first to choose portrait or landscape mode. Best viewed with Internet Explorer or Netscape (prior to version 6).

    C.) Web-based Visitview session - This version uses the VISITview software within a Web browser, may be viewed at any time. It retains all the functionality of the VISITview software which you see in a "live" teletraining session. The talking points are not included in this lesson version, but can be viewed in a separate Web browser (or printed out beforehand).

    D.) local Visitview session - This is the same version of the lesson used in a "live" VISITview teletraining session, but no connection is made to an external VISITview server. You may download the file off this page and go through the lesson on your own in "local mode" by starting the "visitlocal.bat" file. Talking points are not included in this lesson version, but can be viewed in a separate Web browser ( or printed out beforehand).


5) References/Additional Links


6) Train the trainer

    Talking points - these may be used by local offices in tandem with the visitview training session (run in local mode - "visitlocal.bat"). The talking points may be printed out to easily review the session in detail at any time. The web page version contains talking points embedded in each slide (useful for printing).

7) Content developed/updated
    2002
8) Information contact