Development of the Unified Post Processor (UPP) to support UFS-based Application Implementations at NCEP

The Unified Post Processor (UPP) was developed at NOAA National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and has been used as the common unified post processor to support all NOAA operational atmospheric models for many years. Its primary functions involve interpolating model outputs from native vertical levels to National Weather Service (NWS) standard levels (isobaric levels) and other non-model surface levels, as well as computing diagnostic variables. The UPP efficiently processes model native output, generating output data in World Meteorological Organization (WMO) GRIB2 format.

In alignment with NOAA's strategic plan to consolidate all modeling suites using the FV3 based Unified Forecast System (UFS), the Unified Post Processor (UPP) has undergone continuous enhancements to facilitate smooth transitions for all UFS based applications, while also ensuring backward compatibility with legacy modeling systems prior to their retirements. Collaborating closely with internal and external model developers of the NCEP Environmental Modeling Center (EMC), the UPP has been upgraded continuously, including the following key improvements: 1) Unified interface for all UFS based models; 2) Flexible options for conducting UPP as a standalone component (off-line post) or configuring it as a submodule within UFS (in-line post); 3) Advancements in UPP infrastructure to enhance support for various NOAA operational and R&D platforms; 4) Code optimization to improve computational performance; 5) Unification and refinement of algorithms for several diagnostic fields; 6) Implementation of new R2O (Research-to-Operations) algorithms adaptation; 7) Phasing out of legacy functions and capabilities.

This presentation will offer an overview of the UPP while focusing on its recent and upcoming advancements to support operational implementations of the Global Forecast System (GFS), Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS), Rapid Refresh Forecast System (RRFS), Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS), Air Quality Model (AQM) and 3D Real-Time Mesoscale Analysis (RTMA). We will highlight the incorporation of new products and innovations within the system. Lastly, we will address future plans and challenges, providing insights into the UPP’s ongoing development and its potential impact on our products.