An operational numerical model haze forecasting system for the CONUS

The National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC www.unca.edu/nemac/) at the University of North Carolina Asheville is operating a 2-day ahead numerical model for visibility due to haze under the sponsorship of the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program. The system is based on the EPA Models-3 (www.cmascenter.org) models as modified by Baron Advanced Meteorological Systems. Meteorological forecasts are by NCAR's MM5, emissions forecasts by SMOKE, and O3/PM2.5/haze forecasts by CMAQ. The forecasts are made available to the public at the www.hazecast.org site. Recently the site has begun to offer gridded 45-km haze forecast for the entire continental US. Several popular National Park and Monument sites have special forecasts made available which depict the appearance of their views one and two days ahead. The site also makes available information about the causes of haze and actions that individuals can take to reduce haze pollution. A game is also offered that allows visitors to adjust the adoption of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies to see the dramatized effects on the environment. Commercial versions of the forecasts will be available in the future for the broadcast and transportation industries.