Have you checked out the Operational Models Encyclopedia on MetEd?
Posted on: 2018-04-25

This web-based resource opens up the “black box” of numerical weather prediction by providing information on how numerical weather prediction (NWP) models work, and specifics about physical parameterizations, dynamics, and data assimilation for both deterministic and probabilistic models.

The Encyclopedia includes detailed information about the models used by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) and these entries are updated as new versions of the models are implemented. Information about ensemble prediction systems is also included, along with entries for marine wave models. Additionally, the Encyclopedia provides links to non-U.S. model information, including those used by the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) and the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

Be sure to check back whenever you need model information, as the content is updated when operational models upgrades are implemented or when new models are added to the operational NWP suite.

The following models/model types have entries in the Encyclopedia:

Deterministic Models

  • Global Forecast System (GFS)

  • North American Mesoscale Model Arakawa B grid (NAMB)

  • Rapid Refresh (RAP)

  • High-Resolution Window (HiresW)

  • Navy Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) (last updated 2011)

  • Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) (last updated 2011)

  • European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)

  • Global Deterministic Prediction System (CMC-GDPS, hosted by MSC)

  • Regional Deterministic Prediction System (CMC-RDPS, hosted by MSC)

  • Analyses including RTMA-URMA

Probabilistic Models

  • Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS)

  • Short-Range Ensemble Forecast System (SREF)

  • High-Resolution Ensemble Forecast System (HREF)

  • Global Ensemble Prediction System (GEPS, hosted by MSC)

  • Regional Ensemble Prediction System (REPS, hosted by MSC)

Wave Models

  • Global WaveWatch III (last updated 2005)

  • Regional WaveWatch III (last updated 2005)

  • Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL)

  • Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center models (FNMOC, last updated Nov 2011)