Future of Forecasting in the National Weather Service

The National Weather Service forecast process and role of the meteorologist have experienced significant advancements of the past several decades with the incorporation of new technology. High performance computing has advanced numerical models to finer resolutions, greater accuracy, and enabled a greater understanding of uncertainty through the use of ensembles. Statistical methods have advanced to blend ensembles of models enabling meteorologists to more rapidly interpret massive amounts of data. These advancements have been fed by an exponential growth in observational data. In addition to the rapid uptake in technology, meteorologists and the associated forecast processes have shifted to better communicate impacts in the delivery of critical decision support for local communities.

This presentation will discuss the use of current technologies and how the application of these technologies may advance and impact the future forecast process and the role of the meteorologist. This includes the application of artificial intelligence in weather forecasting, the use of probabilistic information, and the associated future technology and workforce underlayment needed to advance the National Weather Service to provide more mobile, eye to eye service delivery.