VuSkew: A Cloud-Based Visualization Solution for an Integrated Sounding Viewer

Feedback from NWS forecasters suggests that vertical sounding data is currently difficult to access in AWIPS, and is often disregarded. As a potential solution, data retrieved from GOES-16, GOES-18, and NUCAPS satellites, GFS and NAM models, ACARS, and radiosondes is stored in an AWS DynamoDB to produce a fast integrated visualization tool. Utilizing VUGraF, a Python framework, the application VuSkew was created directly from forecaster feedback to increase spatial and temporal access to sounding data. VuSkew provides a selection of individual soundings to view on a traditional Skew-T Log-P diagram, including major parameters, heights, and wind barbs. VuSkew also grants users the ability to quickly compare multiple soundings on the same diagram or average soundings via individual selection or over an area. To further equip users, a spatial visualization tool, VuSkew Visualizer, spatially distinguishes temperature, dew point, dew point depression, and relative humidity values at various pressure levels. A timeline displays relative amounts of soundings with each source, including an animation feature exhibiting the spatial arrangement and altering values of selected soundings over time. For operational purposes, the data is automatically updated and preferences can be set for archive and forecast times, location, color bars, and more. Future updates to VuSkew include incorporating HRRR data and continually collaborating with forecasters for practicality and new visualization updates.