Delivery of NWP Training Materials over the Internet

In 1999 the Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training (COMETâ), in conjunction with regional and field representatives of the National Weather Service (NWS), launched a numerical weather prediction (NWP) training program for delivery over the Web. This effort is a response to the NWS priority requirement for forecasters to have a better understanding of numerical forecast models and the use of model guidance. The program provides for development and delivery of materials addressing the components that make up NWP models, the characteristics and rapidly changing nature of the current operational model suite, and how to intelligently apply model guidance output to the forecast process.

The first two modules published at the end of 1999, contain training on theoretical and conceptual issues relating to the structure and dynamics of NWP systems and include the current characteristics of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) operational Eta and Aviation (AVN) models. Material for both units can be accessed via a single Web-based matrix, located on the NWS joint training site, the MetEd Web page (http://meted.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu2/index.htm). Information on the operational models will be continually updated when model changes are implemented and the use of the Web as a delivery medium makes these changes easy to incorporate.

Current development efforts include training modules on how models handle precipitation and clouds, physics, and data assimilation, use of verification statistics and statistical products, and post-processing issues. Publication of these additional materials is expected by the end of 2000. The web site is available to the entire community and should benefit operational forecasters in the public and private sectors as well as the university community. Follow-on developments will specifically address operational applications of model guidance output, assessing the validity of model analyses, and incorporation of model guidance into the forecast process. Information on the characteristics of other regional and medium-range models run at NCEP and some other centers will also be included.