33rd Conference on Broadcast Meteorology

7.3

The A.D.O.N.I.S. MicroCast® Forecast Model: Be the Forecast Leader in your Market

Michael K. Thomas, Weather Central, Inc., Madison, WI

The MicroCast® Model is a high-resolution mesoscale forecast model developed at Weather Central Inc. The model output provides many exclusive benefits to the television broadcast industry and individual stations. We will explain how MicroCast will give television stations the ultimate in weather storytelling capabilities for any event that personally affects local viewers within the market. Using compelling graphical visualizations, we will show how viewers will appreciate and recognize your station for the detailed forecast focus on their own “backyard”. Viewers will remember station knowledge and expertise in forecast reliability and will return for the unmatched storytelling capabilities. We will demonstrate how exclusive MicroCast output variables, such as the Supercell Index, for advanced notification of severe storms and potential tornadoes can literally help save viewer lives. The station can brand themselves as the most prepared and trusted for severe weather coverage. The exclusive and proprietary nature of the MicroCast model also provides an excellent branding potential for the station.

MicroCast is designed to run on a Windows-Intel based platform located on-site at a customer location, giving users direct interaction with the model. Resolution and spatial coverage can be fully customized and the most beneficial forecast output parameters for the local viewing area can be selected. The MicroCast model gives broadcast meteorologists the ability to provide timely, precise and local forecast information to viewers. A comprehensive suite of model forecast variables effectively communicates the influence of local forecast variations up to 60 hours in advance. The high level of detail and advanced notification potential is unmatched. MicroCast can also be used in conjunction with the MetroVision™ product to further grab viewers attention with realistic forecast images utilizing recognizable landmarks.

The MicroCast model provides forecasters with the latest in model research and development. Model output is routinely analyzed through the use of direct analysis, daily verification data, and case studies. Customer feedback is always encouraged in order to determine where and how to enhance model performance. The final result is the ability for your station to turn scientific forecasting capabilities into high ratings along with increasing viewer attraction and retention.

Session 7, Super Models in Training
Wednesday, 16 June 2004, 2:30 PM-4:00 PM

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