Forecaster training on the NCEP North American Mesoscale (NAM) Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model

The NCEP North American Mesoscale (NAM) Eta model has served as a primary source of forecast guidance for twelve years. In early 2006, it will be replaced by the NAM Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Forecasters who have learned the capabilities, limitations, and error characteristics of the Eta model will need to be trained in these matters for this version of the WRF model so that they can effectively utilize the model as a forecast tool. This training is being developed by the Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training (COMET®), in coordination with NWS. While aimed at National Weather Service forecasters, the material will be available to the public for free along with other COMET training in numerical weather prediction. A possible use for this online training would be to supplement university courses. The purpose of this paper is to provide information about the training.

The specific training components presently envisioned are as follows:

1) Operationally-oriented background material on the model components – parameterizations, vertical coordinate, etc., particularly their differences from the Eta model and examples of how these affect the forecast. This material will be completed prior to the conference and is intended to prepare forecasters to utilize the WRF test runs, which will be fully cycling with its own data assimilation starting during the summer.

2) A bbs-like system for near real-time discussion comparing noteworthy aspects of the WRF and Eta forecasts

3) Updating the NWP concepts modules linked through the left column of the Operational Models Matrix at http://meted.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu2/

4) Creating a NAM-WRF column in the above-mentioned model matrix linking to pages documenting specifics of the WRF

5) VISITview teletraining focusing on changes in error characteristics and phenomenological predictability compared to the Eta model, illustrated with case examples