A version of the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) Data Analysis System (ADAS) has been implemented at the National Weather Service (NWS) Office in Melbourne, Florida. This effort was undertaken to integrate traditional observational data sets with other unique data sets available within east central Florida. The intent is to obtain fine resolution analyses, both spatially and temporally, so that the current state of the local atmosphere is continuously depicted for forecasters. Importantly, 15-minute analyses have been ported to the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) platform to support a number of forecast operations. The ADAS analyses, in conjunction with the numerous data sets already in place on AWIPS, provides the enhanced ability to diagnose the local atmosphere on scales ranging from the mesoscale to the near-storm scale.

The relatively dense network of local observation systems supporting the United States space program is incorporated into ADAS. These include: 44 wind towers, five 915 MHz boundary layer Doppler wind profilers and a 50 MHz wind profiler. This is in addition to GOES-8 visible and infrared satellite imagery, METAR surface observations, Florida Automated Weather Network observations, aircraft data, and the Level II radial velocity and reflectivity fields from the Melbourne Weather Surveillance Radar - 1988 Doppler (WSR-88D). Analyses extend across a domain approximately the size of Florida with a resolution of 10 km. A smaller inner-grid, with a resolution of 2 km, covers much of the NWS Melbourne forecast area.

ADAS analyses on AWIPS is used to improve short-term forecast and warning operations, especially in situations of hazardous weather. Since locally run mesoscale models have become increasingly important in providing forecast guidance, an implementation of ARPS cycled with the analyses generated from ADAS is currently being configured. It is anticipated that the forecast output from the prognostic component of ARPS will provide detailed and accurate information to assist in the generation of forecasts within the first 24 hour period. Additionally, these fine resolution gridded fields will soon be explored as input into the Interactive Forecast Preparation System (IFPS) at NWS Melbourne to help populate the local forecast matrices.