Extended Abstract (196K)P1.13
Implementation of a new Wind Chill Temperature Index by the National Weather Service
Mark A. Tew, NOAA/NWS, Silver Spring, MD; and G. Battel and C. A. Nelson
The US National Weather Service (NWS) will implement a replacement Wind Chill Temperature (WCT) Index for the 2001/2002 winter season starting in November 2001. Their implementation is timed to occur at the same time as the implementation of the same index by the Meteorological Service of Canada. Both Services considered standardization of the index among the meteorological community to be important, so that an accurate and consistent measure is provided and public safety is ensured. This WCT Index was developed using advances in science, technology, and computer modeling to provide a more accurate, understandable, and useful formula for calculating the dangers from winter winds and freezing temperatures than was previously used. In addition, clinical trials were conducted to help verify the accuracy of this new formula. This WCT Index formula was incorporated into the latest software build installed on the NWS Advanced Weather Interactive Prediction System (AWIPS) in October 2001. This presentation will describe the transition from research to operations process followed by NWS, including the AWIPS integration and public education processes. In addition, a full description of the AWIPS application program and product will be presented.
Poster Session 1, Poster Session
Wednesday, 16 January 2002, 1:30 PM-1:30 PM
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