FX-Net for Air Quality Research and Forecasting

The NOAA Forecast Systems Laboratory (FSL) has been actively involved with air quality forecasters across the U.S. through the use of FX-Net. Illness from poor air quality has cost the US billions of dollars a year. FX-Net provides state agency's and other air quality forecasters access to an expansive tool, which can help create timely warnings and accurate forecasts, reducing potential health impacts. With the addition of new data sets including the WRF/CHEM, CMAQ, AIRNOW and AIRMAP, FX-Net has become an indispensable tool to the air-quality forecast community. In support of the recent NEAQS-ITCT 2004 program, FX-Net provided air-quality researchers, access to important data when planning and executing this field program. The use of FX-Net extends beyond forecasters and field programs and is valuable to educational communities. FX-Net is currently used as a central teaching tool by professors at Plymouth State University, and the University of Northern Iowa to teach Air Quality forecasting courses.