Real-Time Mesoscale Analysis (RTMA): What is the NCEP RTMA and how can it be used?

Introduction

Outline

Learning Objectives

Why RTMA?

Applications of RTMA

Applications of RTMA - Discussion

Inputs

Outputs

Feedback

All Together

RTMA Output Variables And Data Flow

Example - Isolated Dense Fog

Example - Subtropical Storm Andrea

Terrain Differences

Method/Implications

Example

Observations Going Into RTMA

Quality Control

GSI Flow And Analysis Variables

Consequence Of Assuming Small Background Error For Velocity Potential

How Close Draw To Obs

Obs Radius Of Influence

Terrain Effect On Obs Influence

Covariance Pictures

Example - Analysis Increment Shape Influence By Terrain

Explanation

Example - Temperature

Example - Dewpoint

Example - Wind Speed

Bad First Guess

RUC Can't Resolve a Feature

Bad Observations

Terrain Variance

Terrain

Instrument Siting

Real Scenario

How GSI Handles It

Result

1

2

3

Input Data

Example

Limitations

Affected By Fire Smoke

Background 1

Background 2

Example 1

Example 2

Overall

Limitations for GSI Fields

Limitations for Precip and Cloud Products

References for RTMA web cast

Contributors

COMET Sponsors

The COMET® Program is sponsored by NOAA National Weather Service (NWS), with additional funding by:

  • Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NMOC)
  • Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA)
  • National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)
  • Environment Canada - Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC)
  • Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)

Project Contributors

Principal Science Author

  • Dr. Stephen Jascourt — UCAR/COMET

Multimedia Authoring

  • Dr. Stephen Jascourt — UCAR/COMET
  • Lon Goldstein — UCAR/COMET

Audio Editing/Production

  • Seth Lamos — UCAR/COMET

Audio Narration

  • Dr. Stephen Jascourt — UCAR/COMET

Computer Graphics/Interface

  • Dr. Stephen Jascourt — UCAR/COMET
  • Lon Goldstein — UCAR/COMET

Data Provided by

  • NOAA

COMET HTML Integration Team 2021

  • Tim Alberta — Project Manager
  • Dolores Kiessling — Project Lead
  • Steve Deyo — Graphic Artist
  • Ariana Kiessling — Web Developer
  • Gary Pacheco — Lead Web Developer
  • David Russi — Translations
  • Tyler Winstead — Web Developer

COMET Staff

Director

  • Dr. Timothy Spangler

Deputy Director

  • Dr. Joe Lamos

Business Manager/Supervisor of Administration

  • Elizabeth Lessard

Administration

  • Lorrie Alberta
  • Michelle Harrison
  • Hildy Kane

Graphics/Media Production

  • Steve Deyo
  • Seth Lamos
  • Brennan McGill

Hardware/Software Support and Programming

  • Tim Alberta (IT Manager)
  • James Hamm
  • Ken Kim
  • Mark Mulholland
  • Dan Riter
  • Carl Whitehurst
  • Malte Winkler

Instructional Design

  • Patrick Parrish (Production Manager)
  • Dr. Alan Bol
  • Lon Goldstein
  • Dr. Vickie Johnson
  • Bruce Muller
  • Dwight Owens (Alphapure Design Studio)
  • Marianne Weingroff

Meteorologists

  • Dr. Greg Byrd (Project Cluster Manager)
  • Wendy Schreiber-Abshire (Project Cluster Manager)
  • Dr. William Bua
  • Patrick Dills
  • Tom Dulong
  • Dr. Stephen Jascourt
  • Matthew Kelsch
  • Dolores Kiessling
  • Dr. Arlene Laing
  • Dr. Elizabeth Mulvihill Page
  • Dr. Doug Wesley

Spanish Translations

  • David Russi

NOAA/National Weather Service - Forecast Decision Training Branch

  • Anthony Mostek (NWS COMET Branch Chief [acting] and Satellite Training Leader)
  • Dr. Richard Koehler (Hydrology Training Lead)
  • Brian Motta (IFPS Training)
  • Dr. Robert Rozumalski (SOO Science and Training Resource [SOO/STRC] Coordinator)
  • Shannon White (AWIPS Training)

Meteorological Service of Canada Visiting Meteorologists

  • Phil Chadwick
  • James Cummine