The Evolution of Gridded NUCAPS: Transition of Research to Operations

Cross-track Infrared Sounder/Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (CrIS/ATMS) soundings processed though the NOAA Unique Combined Processing System (NUCAPS) (i.e. NUCAPS Soundings) are currently available in AWIPS for forecasters to diagnose unique forecasting challenges. Vertical temperature and moisture soundings are useful to diagnose the pre-convective environment; however, they are limited to a single-point (footprint) based measurement. A team of scientists and forecasters developed the capability to view 2-D gridded plan view and cross section displays of NUCAPS Soundings (i.e. Gridded NUCAPS) in AWIPS. The capability was initially developed in conjunction with the Anchorage, Alaska, Center Weather Service Unit (CWSU) to diagnose layers of cold air aloft which are hazardous to aviation activities. The CWSU routinely issues Meteorological Impact Statements (MIS) to alert the aviation community to hazardous conditions. Gridded NUCAPS provided an additional dataset beyond model data and observations to diagnose such events. After successful demonstration of the Gridded NUCAPS with the CWSU, the product was introduced to forecasters in a testbed environment at the Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT). Forecasters had the opportunity to analyze temperature and moisture fields as well as stability indices during the Spring Experiment and provide feedback on the utility of the data for convective forecasting. These demonstrations of product utility have led to developments to baseline the Gridded NUCAPS in AWIPS, with an expected operational availability of the product in 2019. This presentation highlights the evolution of Gridded NUCAPS to an operational product with emphasis on recent activities to baseline the Gridded NUCAPS in AWIPS and future plans to expand applications to additional forecasting challenges.