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The material in this session is designed to introduce you to ten of the most commonly encountered or significant misconceptions about NWP models, and to dispel these misconceptions with the truth about what these models actually do and how they may be used intelligently. This "top ten" list should not be considered exhaustive, by any means, but rather a sample of misconceptions from each of the main components of NWP models, including:
• Data assimilation.
• Numerical calculation methods, including model resolution.
• Physical parameterizations.
• Post-processing of model forecast output, including MOS.
We hope to encourage use of the COMET web-based training on NWP through giving a flavor of the material therein contained in this lesson.

Experience in using numerical weather prediction models in an operational environment is very helpful. This is a basic to intermediate course. Those who have taken coursework in numerical weather prediction will find some of the information basic, depending on the emphasis of that course (numerics and dynamics alone, or additional coverage of physical parameterization methods). The reference section below gives links to source material for additional discussion of the inner workings of NWP models, to help the students gain additional understanding of how to intelligently use the information that NWP models provide to make the most accurate forecast possible for their CWA.

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).

E.) Audio playback - This VISITview file contains recorded audio and annotations and be taken at anytime. Certificates of completion for NOAA employees can be obtained through your Science Operation Officer or training point of contact. Click on the "visitauto.bat" file to start the audio playback lesson. For detailed information on how to view the recorded session click here.

You may either request a DVD (with all VISIT audio playback files) OR download the file (see instructions below):

Download the audio playback file for Windows at one of the following sites:
ftp://rammftp.cira.colostate.edu/bikos/audio/nwptop10.exe
OR
ftp://ftp.ssec.wisc.edu/visit/nwptop10.exe

COMET Numerical Weather Prediction Professional Development Series

COMET NWP training course: http://meted.ucar.edu/nwp/course/

The course provides a pathway through the most important sections of these modules, but each can be viewed independently and in their entirety:
• Model fundamentals (http://meted.comet.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu1/ic1/index.htm)
• Impact of Model Structure and Dynamics (http://meted.comet.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu1/ic2/index.htm)
• How Models Produce Precipitation and Clouds (http://meted.comet.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu1/ic3/index.htm)
• Influence of Model Physics on NWP Forecasts (http://meted.comet.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu1/ic4/index.htm)
• Intelligent Use of Model-Derived Products (http://meted.comet.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu1/ic5/index.htm)
• Understanding Data Assimilation: How Models Create Their Initial Conditions (http://meted.comet.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu1/ic6/index.htm)
• Operational Model Matrix, One-Stop Shopping for NCEP and other NWP model information (http://meted.comet.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu2/)

For specific information about the operational models (topography, resolution, physics parameterizations, data used in model analyses, etc.), use the one-stop shopping Operational Model Matrix page. This also has links to the above NWP training modules. (http://meted.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu2)

A series of case studies illustrating some operationally significant aspect of the NCEP models will be developed during mid-2001. The first is already online: When Good Models Go Bad: Eta, SSTs, and Prediction of the December 30, 2000 East Coast Snowstorm (http://meted.comet.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu3/cases/301200/index.htm)

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).

You may also download the talking points as a PDF document

2001

Stephen Jascourt (301) 763-8000 x7356

Bill Bua (301) 763-8000 x7244

Dan Bikos (970) 491-3777