The National Weather Service (NWS) has been planning and implementing a sweeping change to graphical forecasting of sensible weather elements by its forecasters and modeling systems. This presentation reviews the highlights of training that has occurred over the last year.

The new graphical forecasting system became operational in Fall of 2003. Many aspects of forecasting previously taken for granted have now become new challenges. The forecast process has changed and been focused toward the needs for forecast consistency across the various forecast areas and programs. This paper will summarize the training associated with major changes in forecast approach, update, and modification.

Several high-impact weather events have presented significant challenges not only to developing an integrated and consistent forecast process with timely products but to the underlying science and modeling capabilities that currently exist. The expectation of these events triggered training and significant interaction among policy makers, regional and national forecast centers, and Warning and Forecast Offices (WFOs).