Following Congressional direction, NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) is implementing a National Air Quality Forecast Capability. During summer 2003, NWS began integrating and testing an air quality forecast model system as a first step towards planned operational deployment over Northeastern United States in September, 2004. The prototype forecast capability links a version of the Community Mesoscale Air Quality model, developed by NOAA/EPA researchers, with the Eta mesoscale weather prediction model, running operationally at NWS’ National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Program strategy involves partnering with EPA, who provides national emissions inventory data to NOAA for the forecast model, as per NOAA-EPA agreements recently signed by DOC and EPA. Under the current concept of operations, NWS will issue gridded numerical Air Quality predictions as forecast guidance. This guidance will serve as a standard tool, ultimately Nationwide, for public and private, state and local forecasters who provide tailored air quality forecasts for their communities, and EPA who provides interpretive air quality health indices/alerts.

The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the National Weather Service, NOAA or the EPA.