The Evolution of Gridded NUCAPS: An Overview of
Research to Operations Activities (118)
Emily Berndt, NASA
MSFC / SPoRT, Huntsville, AL
Nadia Smith, STC
Kris White, NOAA NWS
/ NASA SPoRT
Eric Stevens, GINA
Gail Weaver, Anchorage
CWSU
Abstract:
Cross-track Infrared
Sounder/Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (CrIS/ATMS) soundings processed
though the NOAA Unique Combined Processing System (NUCAPS) (i.e. NUCAPS
Soundings) are currently available in AWIPS-II for forecasters to diagnose
unique forecasting challenges. Vertical temperature and moisture soundings are
useful to diagnose the pre-convective environment however, they are limited to
a single-point (footprint) based measurement. A team of scientists and
forecasters developed the capability to view 2-D gridded plan view and cross
section displays of NUCAPS Soundings (i.e. Gridded NUCAPS) in AWIPS-II. The
capability was initially developed in conjunction with the Anchorage, Alaska,
Center Weather Service Unit (CWSU) to diagnose layers of cold air aloft which
are hazardous to aviation activities. The CWSU routinely issues Meteorological
Impact Statements (MIS) to alert the aviation community to hazardous
conditions. Gridded NUCAPS provided an additional dataset beyond model data and
observations to diagnose such events. After successful demonstration of the
Gridded NUCAPS with the CWSU, the product was introduced to forecasters in a
testbed environment at the Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT). Forecasters had the
opportunity to analyze temperature and moisture fields as well as stability
indices during the Spring Experiment and provide feedback on the utility of the
data for convective forecasting. This presentation outlines the development of
the Gridded NUCAPS product for display in AWIPS-II and highlights application
examples from operational and testbed activities. Recent activities to baseline
the Gridded NUCAPS in AWIPS-II and expand applications to additional
forecasting challenges are also covered.