STORM2K

NOAA has sent out a message that NCEP will be shifting 13 Jun 2006 from
NAM-ETA to NAM-WRF. I don't know why, but...


Subject: June 13 -- NCEP model change from NAM to WRF
To:
May 23, 2006

To SATEPS / McIDAS Grid file users:

On Tuesday, June 13, NCEP will be replacing the NAM-Eta models (MOD/NAM)
with the NAM-WRF models (MOD/WRF). To support this transition, SATEPS
has established test WRF / McIDAS GRID files on the backup Model Server
(gp9), to begin testing applications. Both the NAM and WRF / McIDAS GRID
files are available on the backup Model Server.

At your earliest convenience, please access the test WRF / McIDAS GRID
files for application validation on the backup Model Server (gp9).

Please report any problems to the SSD Help Desk and/or Bonnie Morgan.
If no problems are reported, the WRF model will be implemented on the
operational Model Server (gp15) on Tuesday May 30, since gp15 will
remain the operational Model Server.

Attached is the 00z / 00 hr forecast NAM / WRF plot differences (via
GRDDISP), for the Temperature 850 mb. WRF is the blue contours, and NAM
is the red contours. I have checked some of the WRF forecast files, and
have seen the same number of parameters in WRF as in NAM.

Thanks-
SATEPS Programming Staff


SSD Help Desk
(301) 763-8222

Bonnie Morgan
(301) 763-8429 x207

This is a good thing. WRF has a LOT better resolution then ETA and pretty much PINPOINTS the Storms that fire up along the dryline here in West Texas! A great help.

Trust me, you will not be unhappy!!! I cant wait!