Severe Weather Parameter Reanalysis Project at the Storm Prediction Center

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) utilizes a three-dimensional objective analysis scheme that combines real-time surface observations and time-matched model data above the surface from the Rapid Refresh (RAP) model [formerly the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC)] to generate mesoscale analysis fields (http://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/mesoanalysis/). Various diagnostic fields (e.g., most unstable convective available potential energy) are computed in real-time and available to the SPC forecasters. For over 15 years, the number of diagnostic fields has continued to expand as new parameters (e.g., Effective-layer Significant Tornado Parameter using CAPE through 6 km) have been developed and added. Although much of the data has been saved, the newer fields have not been added to the archived data.

In cooperation with the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), a joint “reanalysis” project has been on-going to update the mesoscale analysis archive. NSSL has supplied the 20-km archived RUC/RAP model data, and the SPC is using the latest code to generate all of the current diagnostic parameters. The goal is to provide a long-term data set for use in research projects with other SPC severe storm data archives to evaluate and further improve the diagnostic fields for severe weather monitoring and forecasting.