Analysis of the increase in non-routine text product issuance by WFO Milwaukee/Sullivan

There has been a substantial increase in the number of non-routine text products issued by National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) forecast offices over the past two decades. The data used in this study were collected between April 1994 and December 2008 by The National Weather Service's Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Milwaukee/Sullivan (MKX). The data include the number of local, non-routine products issued, such as warnings, follow-up statements, and a variety of hydrometeorological messages. All of these products were quality-controlled for consistency in format and content. The data show a five-fold increase in non-routine text products issued from 1994 to 2008. Several factors are responsible for this substantial increase. Technological advances in computer hardware and software during the past two decades resulted in varying degrees of automation that led to more efficient product creation. Technological advances included the implementation of the Advanced Weather Interactive System (AWIPS), and associated software applications that contained automation tools. Additionally, policy changes within the NWS or locally-driven changes contributed to the creation of new, non-routine products, and increased issuance frequency of others. Collectively, these changes played a significant role in allowing meteorologists to issue increasing numbers of non-routine products along with more frequent updates. It can be concluded that an improved, higher level of service, in terms of timeliness, quality, and amount of information, is now provided to NWS partners and customers.