The development and utilization of graphical forecasts at NWS Corpus Christi

An important component of the National Weather Service (NWS) Modernization and the NWS Strategic Plan is the development of graphical forecasts for dissemination over the Internet. Another goal in the NWS Strategic Plan is the extension of public forecasts out to seven days. Beginning in January 2000, NWS Corpus Christi (CRP) began the issuance graphical public and marine forecasts. In June 2000, these forecasts were extended to seven days. Forecast matrices are created and are used as input for the development of the graphical forecasts. A Tcl/Tk application uses the forecast values to generate graphics that are available on the NWS CRP Internet homepage. Customer feedback on the graphical forecasts has been positive.