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The Forecast Process: Using the Forecast Funnel
This lesson was developed by meteorologist, Dr. Mick Pope, with sponsorship from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). The lesson is a somewhat broad-brush review of the overall forecast process, but with specific application of the forecast funnel approach as used by Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). The forecast process components include decision support and communication, use of numerical weather prediction, and applying the forecast funnel approach. The forecast funnel is described in detail, along with the forecaster time pyramid, and it is applied using a BoM forecast polic ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=10004
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2019
This lesson was developed by meteorologist, Dr. Mick Pope, with sponsorship from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). The lesson is a somewhat broad-brush review of the overall forecast process, but with specific application of the forecast funnel approach as used by Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). The forecast process components include decision support and communication, use of numerical weather prediction, and applying the forecast funnel approach. The forecast funnel is described in detail, along with the forecaster time pyramid, and it is applied using a BoM forecast policy example.
Disclaimer regarding 3rd party resources: WMO endeavours to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, integrity and timeliness of the information available on its website. WMO may make changes to the content of this website at any time without notice.
The responsibility for opinions expressed in articles, publications, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and their posting on this website does not constitute an endorsement by WMO of the opinion expressed therein.
WMO shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of the use of its website. Please do not misuse our website.Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Standard Copyright)Tags: Weather forecasting ; Numerical weather prediction ; North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) ; Jet stream ; Rossby Waves ; Outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; NWP Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
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CESM Distance Learning Course
The Community Earth System Model (CESM) is a fully-coupled, community, global climate model that provides state-of-the-art computer simulations of the Earth's past, present, and future climate states. The CESM Distance Learning Course is based on the CESM Tutorial held annually at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. This course consists of 12 lectures and 4 practical sessions on simulating the climate system and practical sessions on running Community Earth System Model (CESM), modifying components, and analyzing data. The course is targeted at the graduat ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1363
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2019
The Community Earth System Model (CESM) is a fully-coupled, community, global climate model that provides state-of-the-art computer simulations of the Earth's past, present, and future climate states. The CESM Distance Learning Course is based on the CESM Tutorial held annually at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. This course consists of 12 lectures and 4 practical sessions on simulating the climate system and practical sessions on running Community Earth System Model (CESM), modifying components, and analyzing data. The course is targeted at the graduate student level.
Disclaimer regarding 3rd party resources: WMO endeavours to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, integrity and timeliness of the information available on its website. WMO may make changes to the content of this website at any time without notice.
The responsibility for opinions expressed in articles, publications, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and their posting on this website does not constitute an endorsement by WMO of the opinion expressed therein.
WMO shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of the use of its website. Please do not misuse our website.Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Standard Copyright)Tags: Hydrology ; Weather forecasting ; Numerical weather prediction ; Sea ice ; Atmospheric chemistry ; Atmospheric physics ; Climate services ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; Competencies for Provision of Climate Services ; NWP Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
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Communicating Risk: The Impact-based Forecast and Warning Services Approach
This online lesson introduces learners to the Impact-Based Forecast and Warning Services approach to managing risk from weather events. After reviewing the steps of the approach, learners will practice using them in two simulations. In the simulations, learners must determine the likelihood and potential severity of weather hazards associated with an approaching storm. Then they must create a message describing the potential risk and impacts from the storm's most prominent hazards.
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1597
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2019
This online lesson introduces learners to the Impact-Based Forecast and Warning Services approach to managing risk from weather events. After reviewing the steps of the approach, learners will practice using them in two simulations. In the simulations, learners must determine the likelihood and potential severity of weather hazards associated with an approaching storm. Then they must create a message describing the potential risk and impacts from the storm's most prominent hazards.
Disclaimer regarding 3rd party resources: WMO endeavours to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, integrity and timeliness of the information available on its website. WMO may make changes to the content of this website at any time without notice.
The responsibility for opinions expressed in articles, publications, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and their posting on this website does not constitute an endorsement by WMO of the opinion expressed therein.
WMO shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of the use of its website. Please do not misuse our website.Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Standard Copyright)Tags: Lesson/ Tutorial ; Simulation
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Convection-allowing Models (CAMs): Winter Applications
In this lesson, forecasters will practice using guidance from different convection-allowing models (CAMs) over the short term. As they review and analyze the model guidance they will encounter some of the advantages and limitations of using CAMs for winter weather.
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1459
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2019
In this lesson, forecasters will practice using guidance from different convection-allowing models (CAMs) over the short term. As they review and analyze the model guidance they will encounter some of the advantages and limitations of using CAMs for winter weather.
Disclaimer regarding 3rd party resources: WMO endeavours to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, integrity and timeliness of the information available on its website. WMO may make changes to the content of this website at any time without notice.
The responsibility for opinions expressed in articles, publications, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and their posting on this website does not constitute an endorsement by WMO of the opinion expressed therein.
WMO shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of the use of its website. Please do not misuse our website.Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Standard Copyright)Tags: Weather forecasting ; Numerical weather prediction ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; NWP Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
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Land Surface Analysis: An Introduction to the EUMETSAT LSA-SAF Products
This 45-minute lesson provides an overview of the satellite-derived products generated by the Satellite Application Facility on Land Surface Analysis (LSA-SAF) that may provide beneficial information to the agriculture community. Learners will practice reading and interpreting the LSA-SAF products to better understand the characteristics of vegetation. The lesson also discusses the application of satellite-derived products in regression analysis to model agricultural production, and uses a wine production case in the Portuguese Douro Valley to show learners how seasonal crop productions may be ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1451
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2019
This 45-minute lesson provides an overview of the satellite-derived products generated by the Satellite Application Facility on Land Surface Analysis (LSA-SAF) that may provide beneficial information to the agriculture community. Learners will practice reading and interpreting the LSA-SAF products to better understand the characteristics of vegetation. The lesson also discusses the application of satellite-derived products in regression analysis to model agricultural production, and uses a wine production case in the Portuguese Douro Valley to show learners how seasonal crop productions may be modeled.
Disclaimer regarding 3rd party resources: WMO endeavours to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, integrity and timeliness of the information available on its website. WMO may make changes to the content of this website at any time without notice.
The responsibility for opinions expressed in articles, publications, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and their posting on this website does not constitute an endorsement by WMO of the opinion expressed therein.
WMO shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of the use of its website. Please do not misuse our website.Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Standard Copyright)Tags: Weather forecasting ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
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The Sun, The Earth, and Near-Earth Space
While solar radiation enables and sustains life on Earth, it also produces “space weather” that can profoundly impact different technologies, including telecommunications, satellite navigation, and the electric power grid. Solar flares can produce x-rays resulting in radio blackouts that block high-frequency radio waves. Solar Energetic Particles can penetrate satellite electronics and cause electrical failure. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) can cause geomagnetic storms that induce ground currents and degrade power grid operations, sometimes catastrophically. The Sun, The Earth, and Near-Earth ...Permalink![]()
GOES-16/JPSS Case Exercise: Monitoring the Rhea Oklahoma Grassland Fire
The current GOES-R and JPSS meteorological satellites have improved capabilities for enhanced fire detection that include more effective monitoring of fire starts, evolution, and smoke. This lesson provides forecasters and others with the opportunity to become more familiar with both GOES-R and JPSS satellite products (including the longwave-shortwave IR difference, Fire Temperature RGB, GeoColor, GOES-R Fire Mask, JPSS Active Fire, and others) during the onset of a large grassland fire event, known as the Rhea Fire, that affected western Oklahoma from April 12-18, 2018. Interactions and quest ...Permalink![]()
Introducing the FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 Satellite System - Next Generation Observations for Weather and Climate
The latest-generation Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2) provides high-resolution observations of Earth's atmosphere, including the ionosphere. In this video, scientists and mission planners introduce the instrumentation used and describe the collaborations that made the COSMIC-2 mission possible. These experts describe how COSMIC uses a technique called radio occultation—making use of existing navigation satellite signals passing through the atmosphere to provide detailed measurements of temperature, pressure, and water vapor. They ex ...Permalink![]()
What's New in NBM v3.2
The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) National Blend of Models (NBM) is scheduled to be upgraded to version 3.2 in November 2019. It includes the first probabilistic blended guidance for temperature, precipitation, snow, and ice. There are more blended forecast products for aviation, marine, water resources, fire weather, winter weather, and tropical weather. Version 3.2 uses more model components to improve guidance, and introduces a new Guam domain. For a transcript, see What’s New in NBM v3.2. (https://www.meted.ucar.edu/nwp/blend_v32_video/NBM_v32_script.pdf)Permalink![]()
Satellite Signals from Space: Smart Science for Understanding Weather and Climate
Want to know about COSMIC, and how satellite signals can provide information about Earth's atmosphere? This video provides anyone interested in the topic with a brief overview of the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate, called COSMIC. Targeted to students and teachers in Grades 5-9 but accessible to anyone, the video introduces the latest COSMIC mission (COSMIC-2), which uses satellites orbiting near Earth to measure how the atmosphere affects signals from global positioning system (GPS) satellites high above the surface. This technique is called radio occul ...Permalink![]()
Basic Satellite and NWP Integration
NWP is one of the most important forecasting tools in our toolbox. Yet identifying when/where it isn’t capturing reality is difficult. In the short-term forecasting range, it is important as a forecaster to identify when/where NWP output isn’t matching reality. Then you can make appropriate changes to the forecast output. To find those mismatches anywhere in the world, one of the best tools is satellite imagery. In this lesson, we will focus on a few cases using satellite imagery to help identify mismatched features/processes between the satellite imagery and the NWP. Anyone trying to add valu ...Permalink![]()
Leveraging Social Science to Improve Risk Communications
NWS forecasts are only one of many sources of forecast guidance that both expert users and the public have access to. Decision support for a spectrum of end users requires that the NWS will use social science findings and practices as a guide for making its products more accessible and effective.This lesson will focus on effective messaging when communicating weather hazards. In the process the learner will become familiar with some messaging best practices that are based on social science findings.Permalink![]()
NWP Comparisons: Total-column Variables
Another way to try to find mismatches between observed weather and NWP output is by using total-column variables. There are a few of them to choose from, and they make for a relatively simple comparison method for finding correctable mismatches. In this lesson, we'll address appropriate methods for making these comparisons and build to a point where we will focus on bigger picture atmospheric processes. This is the second in a series of video lessons that introduces three different methods for modifying NWP output to add human value to forecasts.Permalink![]()
PV Modification
You know what PV is, yet aren't quite sure how to modify it to make a better forecast. In this short lesson, we will discuss how to modify the PV surface to match water vapour imagery and how those adjustments affect the surface sensible weather. This is the fifth in a series of video lessons that introduces three different methods for modifying NWP output to add human value to forecasts. Pre-requisite Knowledge: Satellite Water Vapour Interpretation -- Short CoursePermalink![]()
Interpreting and Communicating EPS Guidance: Germany Winter Event
This 45-minute lesson briefly introduces learners to the benefits of using probabilistic forecast information to assess weather and communicate forecast uncertainties. Learners will explore a winter weather event in Germany and practice synthesizing deterministic and probabilistic forecast guidance to better understand forecast uncertainties based on lead-time. Also, learners will decide how to best communicate the potential weather threats and impacts to local end users. The lesson is another component of the Forecast Uncertainty: EPS Products, Interpretation, and Communication distance learn ...Permalink![]()
Satellite Foundational Course for JPSS: SatFC-J (SHyMet Full Course Access)
The Satellite Foundational Course for JPSS (SatFC-J) is a series of short lessons focused on topics related to microwave remote sensing and Joint Polar Satellite System instruments and capabilities. Hosted by the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA), this resource provides access to the full set of course lessons, which were developed specifically for National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters. The lessons provide foundational training to help forecasters and decision makers maximize the utility of the U.S.’ new-generation polar-orbiting environmental satellites. The cou ...Permalink![]()
Frontal Diagnosis 1
In this lesson, we start by investigating the different types of fronts that are commonly analyzed. Next, we address two different types of cold fronts: classic (stacked), and katabatic. Then, we identify the main characteristics of these frontal types and what sets them apart from each other in conceptual models and in water vapour imagery. This is the first lesson in a two part series that addresses three different types of cold fronts and how to diagnose them.Permalink![]()
GOES-R Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) North America Examples
The Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) aboard the GOES-R series satellites provides continuous lightning detection from space, giving forecasters a unique tool to monitor developing thunderstorms. This 45 minute lesson introduces learners to the benefits of using GLM gridded products, primarily Flash Extent Density (FED). Learners will explore several North American convective events and use Flash Extent Density, in combination with other satellite and radar data, to diagnose convective initiation, storm intensification, and areal extent of lightning activity. Helpful hints to keep in mind w ...Permalink![]()
Instrumentation and Measurement of Wind
This lesson summarizes the science and techniques used to measure atmospheric wind. It presents an overview of the main sensor types for wind, including mechanical, electronic, and drifting-position sensors as well as sensors relying on impact pressure and sensors utilizing timing or Doppler shifts. The advantages and limitations of the sensor types and information about uncertainty and errors are reviewed with a focus on understanding which sensors might be best for particular applications. The lesson concludes with wind measurement applications including turbulence profiles, turbulence flux ...Permalink![]()
Introduction to Modifying NWP Output
Surface observations are usually the first place we go when trying to find mismatches between observed weather and NWP output. We'll talk in this lesson about appropriate methods for making those comparisons and build to a point where we will focus on bigger picture atmospheric processes. This is the first in a series of video lessons that introduces three different methods for modifying NWP output to add human value to forecasts.Permalink![]()
Scenario-Based Planning for Sea Level Change in the U.S. Using the USACE Sea Level Change Curve Calculator and Guidance
This lesson introduces tools and concepts that are essential for scenario-based planning for sea level change. The lesson guides the learner through the use of the USACE Sea Level Change Calculator to produce site-specific water-level projections. The lesson also introduces the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer and NOAA's Sea Level Trends website.Permalink![]()
Using Multi-hazard, Impacts-based Forecast and Warning Services
Using a heavy rain situation in Barbados, this video will demonstrate the use of Multi-hazard, Impacts-based Forecast and Warning Services. The demonstration will show an evolution of the forecast in the 3-, 2-, and 1-day lead time periods. The rainfall case is based loosely on 2018's Tropical Storm Kirk, although the name and specific details of the storm are not used.Permalink![]()
Adjusting NWP: Direct Comparison
If there were a way to make direct comparisons between satellite imagery and NWP output, that would appear to be the best possible way to find mismatches between the observed weather and NWP output. In this lesson, we'll address possible methods for making direct comparisons, starting with pseudo or synthetic satellite imagery and building to a point where we focus on a relatively unused NWP output. This is the third in a series of video lessons that introduces three different methods for modifying NWP output to add human value to forecasts. Pre-requisite Knowledge: Satellite Water Vapour Inte ...Permalink![]()
International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) Trainings
International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) - International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI)This website makes available numerous resources from IRI training events.Permalink![]()
TROP ICSU: Educational Resource for Teachers to Integrate Climate Topics across the Curriculum
We collate and curate digital/ICT-based teaching resources that integrate climate studies across the curriculum of Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences and Humanities. These teaching resources are locally rooted in their context, but globally relevant for their science.
Our innovative educational resources, with detailed step-by-step descriptions for use in regular lectures, are designed and packaged so that teachers in schools and colleges/Universities across the world can use them to introduce examples and case studies from climate science and climate change while enhancing t ...Permalink![]()
Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Humidity
This lesson provides an overview of the science and techniques related to measuring humidity, or the amount of water vapor, in Earth's atmosphere. After beginning with a review of the units used for humidity, the learner will examine the three main types of hygrometers (material, thermodynamic, and optical) and explore instruments within each of these categories. The lesson provides information about the advantages and limitations of various humidity instruments. The effects of siting, sheltering, and ventilation on humidity measurements are also addressed. The lesson is part of the Instrument ...Permalink![]()
Interpreting and Communicating EPS Guidance: Iberian Heat Wave
This 45-minute lesson briefly introduces learners to the benefits of using probabilistic forecast information to assess the weather and communicate forecast uncertainties. Learners will explore a heat wave event in Spain and practice interpreting EPS forecast products effectively to determine various forecast parameters based on lead-time. Also, learners will decide how to best communicate the potential weather threats and impacts information to local end users.Permalink![]()
Situational Awareness in The Fire Environment
Maintaining situational awareness is a crucial skill in every decision-support situation. Wildland fires that threaten populated areas have the potential to inflict devastating damage to communities and can also threaten the personnel working on the fire. This lesson introduces the Situational Awareness Cycle. Learners practice using it to continuously monitor and adapt their support strategies and decision-support information depending on the rapidly evolving wildfire conditions. The lesson also discusses a range of tools that can be used to build and maintain situational awareness.Permalink![]()
What's New in the National Blend of Models version 3.1
Intended for U.S. National Weather Service forecasters, this short video describes changes to the NWS National Blend of Models when it was updated to v3.1. These changes include: More global, mesoscale, and ensemble components; Increased spatial resolution of some components; New and improved weather elements for aviation, QPF, winter, fire, and marine weather forecasting; Significant wave height for offshore waters and the Great Lakes; Improved bias correction; MOS-like text products; Shortened NBM forecast projections delivered at 19 UTC. For an illustrated transcript, see What’s New in NBM ...Permalink![]()
Location Science Improves Everyday Life
This short video explores some of the ways that location science improves everyday life. It follows two characters, Jane and John, through the course of a typical day. Jane has a smooth trouble-free day fishing with friends, thanks in part to accurate location surveys. John, on the other hand, has an awful day traced to inaccurate surveys and out-of-date maps.Permalink![]()
SatFC-J: The CrIS and ATMS Sounders
This lesson introduces the capabilities of NOAA’s next-generation infrared and microwave sounders, the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) and the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS). Both fly on board the Suomi NPP satellite mission and constitute the foundation for NOAA’s operational space-based sounding capability on the next-generation JPSS polar-orbiting satellites. In addition to their complementary sounding duties, CrIS and ATMS provide capabilities and improvements for a variety of environmental products essential to weather forecasting and environmental monitoring. Some of th ...Permalink![]()
Mesoscale Model Components of the National Blend of Models Version 3.0
The National Weather Service National Blend of Models (NBM) was updated to version 3.0 on 27 July 2017. Changes include: Eight new components for the contiguous U.S. (CONUS) and Alaska, including four deterministic models, two ensemble systems, and two post-processed statistical components Five new components for Hawaii and Puerto Rico Expanded forecast domains for the CONUS and Alaska A “Time of Day” (ToD), rather than NWP model, initial time concept Hourly NBM forecasts, with short, day 2-4, and extended forecasts Updated NBM guidance available 50-60 minutes after hourly run time New weather ...Permalink![]()
Radio Wave Propagation
As a society we have become dependent on satellite communications, but satellites fail with alarming frequency. Before the advent of satellites, long distance communications were carried out with high frequency (HF) radio transmissions. This lesson examines the factors that control long-distance radio communications, with an emphasis on refraction in the ionosphere, frequency selection, and the effects of solar radiation.Permalink![]()
GOES-R Series Multilingual Training Resources
This listing of multilingual training materials for the GOES-R series includes both foundational lessons and quick guides developed by various partners at the request of the U.S. National Weather Service and NESDIS. The selections included here represent materials translated to Spanish and Portuguese. Training contributors include COMET, RAMMB/CIRA, CIMSS, and SPoRT. Translation contributors/reviewers include the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) in Argentina and the University of São Paulo in Brazil.Permalink![]()
Unified Terrain in the National Blend of Models
This lesson discusses errors associated with the use of inconsistent terrain in the analyses in the Real-Time and the Un-Restricted Mesoscale Analyses (RTMA and URMA, respectively), and in downscaling numerical weather prediction model data to the resolution of the U.S. National Weather Service National Blend of Models (NBM). The sources of these inconsistencies are examined, and the errors that result are discussed. A solution is to use a unified, consistent terrain in the analyses and the NBM. This solution is only partial however, as resolution of small, meteorologically significant feature ...Permalink![]()
GOES-16 and S-NPP/JPSS Case Exercise: Hurricane Harvey Surface Flooding
Satellite data are important tools for analyses and short-term forecasts of surface floodwater. This lesson will highlight the August 2017 flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey in southeastern Texas, one of the most costly weather disasters in U.S. history. Through the use of interactive exercises the learner will become familiar with use and interpretation of satellite imagery in regions with surface flooding. The lesson will use data from both the S-NPP Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and the GOES-16 Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). The satellite-derived flood map and th ...Permalink![]()
National Water Model, Part 1: Science and Products
This lesson provides an introduction to the benefits, important input (forcing data), and key products of the National Water Model. Both official and evolving products are presented. The lesson uses the flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 to demonstrate key products.Permalink![]()
Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Pressure
This lesson provides information about current science and technologies for measuring atmosphere pressure. The lesson begins by reviewing the key physical laws governing atmospheric pressure, including Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures. Then, it explores typical requirements and uncertainty parameters related to atmospheric pressure sensors and provides details about the components of pressure sensors, including fluidic, mechanical, and electronic transducers. The lesson is part of the Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Parameters course series.Permalink![]()
Geodetic Control in Land Surveying: Active vs. Passive
Aimed at surveyors and GIS professionals, this video explains the difference between active and passive control methods in surveying, and the strengths and weaknesses of each. Passive control is the traditional method of referencing positions to physical benchmarks that have known locations. Active control references positions to one or more Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS). These stations use continuous contact with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS/GPS) to provide a highly accurate and updated position.Permalink![]()
Forecasters' Overview of the Middle East
This lesson provides an introduction to the Middle East for Navy meteorologists. It focuses on the major aspects of synoptic and mesoscale weather patterns, hazards to aviation and maritime operations, geography, oceanography, and climatology. The “Geography” Unit covers major political boundaries, cities, ports, topographical features, rivers, and seismicity. The “Oceanography” Unit includes major bathymetric features, mean sea surface temperature, vertical temperature profiles, salinity and velocity, ocean currents, and tidal ranges. The “Climatology” Unit covers the seasonal climatology of ...Permalink![]()
Mei-Yu Front, Part 1: Ingredients for Heavy Precipitation and the Forecast Process in Taiwan
This lesson (available in Traditional Chinese) introduces the Mei-Yu Front characteristics and forecasting methodology used by the CWB to forecast precipitation over Taiwan. The lesson discusses the Mei-Yu Front's three-dimensional structure, lifting mechanisms, precipitation patterns and includes cases to help learners practice determining the possible area of heavy rainfall.Permalink![]()
SatFC-J: The AMSR2 Microwave Imager
This short lesson describes the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) on board the next-generation polar-orbiting satellite platforms. AMSR2’s primary mission is to improve scientists’ understanding of climate by providing estimates of precipitation, water vapor, cloud water, wind velocity, sea surface temperature, sea ice concentration, snow depth, and soil moisture. AMSR2 also advances weather forecasting through real-time imagery, value-added products, and input to numerical weather prediction. This lesson is part of the Satellite Foundational Course for JPSS (SatFC-J).Permalink![]()
SatFC-J: The VIIRS Imager
This lesson introduces the VIIRS imager on board the Suomi NPP and JPSS satellites. The lesson briefly describes the capabilities, improvements, and benefits that VIIRS brings to operational meteorology. Numerous images are shown that demonstrate a variety of applications available in the AWIPS weather display system. This lesson is part of the Satellite Foundational Course for JPSS (SatFC-J).Permalink![]()
SatFC-J: Orbits and Data Availability
This lesson presents a brief overview of NOAA's operational low Earth orbiting satellites, focusing on how their orbits define observational coverage and how ground receiving capabilities impact data latency from the observation time to product availability. This lesson is part of the Satellite Foundational Course for JPSS (SatFC-J).Permalink![]()
Rapid Scan Applications and Benefits
This lesson introduces the capabilities and benefits of rapid scan imaging from geostationary meteorological satellites with a special focus on the current Meteosat Second Generation satellites. The lesson begins with an overview of current rapid scan imaging strategies and the products made from those observations. It then addresses nowcasting applications that benefit from these products with a focus on convection and its evolution. Other application areas that benefit from rapid scan observation are mentioned including the monitoring of fog and low stratus, wildfires, tropical cyclones, and ...Permalink![]()
National Water Model, Part 2: Early Performance
In this lesson the learner will review and interpret data regarding the early performance of the National Water Model (versions 1.0 -1.2). Verification and evaluation of the National Water Model has been occurring since it went operational in August 2016. This lesson will review some of the main issues in model performance through early 2018, including some retrospective verification extending back to 2011. You will see how model performance has been improved as a result of verification. Among the topics addressed are peak flow timing errors, model bias and correlation, the impacts of basin ca ...Permalink![]()
Interpreting and Communicating EPS Guidance: British Columbia Winter Storm
This 45-minute lesson provides an opportunity to use ensemble prediction system products to evaluate uncertainty in the forecast and then communicate that information effectively to a public audience. The lesson places learners in the role of a Meteorological Service of Canada forecaster who must assess forecast uncertainty and then issue early warning notifications to decision-makers regarding the winter storm. In a subsequent work shift during the event, the learner must effectively deliver forecast information via social media and respond to questions from the general public. The lesson is ...Permalink![]()
The Value of Accurate Water Levels
NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) operates the National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON) a system of water level sensors, that form the backbone of our nation’s coastal observation infrastructure. This short video, intended for decision makers and the general public, describes the value of accurate NWLON water level data provided by CO-OPS.Permalink![]()
Operational Environmental Monitoring Applications using the Community Satellite Processing Package (CSPP)
This resource demonstrates the variety of satellite imagery and products accessible through the Community Satellite Processing Package (CSPP). Two videos, the first focused on imagery applications and the second on microwave applications, provide an overview of the types of weather and environmental information available through CSPP. Using CSPP, forecasters and others needing timely access to data can download and display imagery and products from Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) instruments. The resource provides some background information for obtaining and using the CSPP software, which ...Permalink![]()
SatFC-J: The VIIRS Day/Night Band
This lesson introduces the innovative Day/Night Band (DNB). Producing both daytime and nighttime visible images, the unique aspect of the DNB is its nocturnal low-light imaging capability. It views reflected moonlight from clouds and Earth's surface, surface light emissions from various natural sources (such as fires) and anthropogenic sources (such as city lights and gas flares), and even from certain atmospheric light emissions such as the aurora, airglow, and lightning flashes. The lesson describes the capabilities and benefits of the DNB, in particular using the Near-Constant Contrast (NCC ...Permalink