New and Improved Forecasts
MWA updated its proprietary 30-day global weather forecast ensemble to the MPAS model (Model Prediction Across Scales), which was collaboratively developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the climate modeling group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (COSIM). MWA modeling staff selected the latest update (Version 5) of this unique research model for conversion to an operational forecast platform based on several key features distinguishing MPAS from all other weather forecast models. Initial verification analyses show the model is highly stable and more accurate than the GFS model at forecast time scales beyond day-5.
The model is comprised of individual simulation components specific to atmosphere, ocean, land ice, and sea ice employing a unique hexagonal grid system especially suitable for higher resolution applications over any geographic area. Model output available to standard subscriptions include 30 day global forecasts of upper atmosphere and surface meteorological parameters; displayed graphically (including 5 day composites of temperature anomaly and precipitation), as well as in numerical form for over 200 cities. Forecasts specific to any city or global region can be customized to greatly enhanced resolution to satisfy individual user requirements
30 Day Weather Forecast:
This weather forecast newsletter is prepared by MWA meteorologists 3 times per week on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, and is often very different and in some cases totally contrary to direct computer model output. Each forecast update summarizes primary weather events expected to be of significance to the energy industry during the next 30 days, with an emphasis on forecasting substantial pattern changes that move markets. This format is designed to identify major trading opportunities in which markets may be moving in the wrong direction, based on government or private forecasts that are primarily repackaged computer model forecasts.
The format of the newsletter is designed to address a wide audience of traders and meteorologists. As such the broad based forecast presents a 30-day graphic in the 1st page, which depicts U.S. temperatures anomalies during the next 1-5 day, 6-10 day, 11-15 day and 16-30 day periods for easy comparison to computer models and other forecast providers. The rest of the document includes detailed discussion of the forecast basis with supporting weather maps.
90 Day Weather Forecast:
This long range weather forecast newsletter is released once per month and includes detailed assessment of the main atmospheric indices of interest to seasonal weather conditions. The forecast horizon is a minimum if 90-days, but can extends as much as 180 days depending on predictability of specific atmospheric patterns.
Similar to the 30 day newsletter (MWA 30) seasonal forecast maps and primary forecast basis are presented in a straightforward format in the 1st page. Detailed assessment follows describing major atmospheric features expected to drive weather conditions in an understandable format that provides the reader with the necessary tools to continually monitor the degree to which the long range forecast is verifying until the next update is issued. By describing the expected evolution of major atmospheric features expected to drive an upcoming season’s weather, the reader is equipped with the ability to most effectively utilize the forecast for trading decisions.
June 5 - Long Range Summary
Canadian air which surged into the Northeast early this past weekend in a more intense form (10°-15° below average) than models forecast is strong indication additional lobes of cold air poised to frequently drain down the Eastern Seaboard in stagnant flow into mid June will also be colder than computer generated forecasts. At least general timing of cold air reinforcement through the Northeast into the mid Atlantic region is of improved consensus in recent model runs; with Wednesday-Thursday marking the next noticeable double-digit below average temperature drop, followed by another early next week (Jun 12-13) that could be the coldest of the June series. While far less of this unseasonably cold air will reach the Midwest last week’s hot 90s in Chicago are unlikely to return. The western extent of cold air outbreaks focusing east of the Appalachians will interrupt brief intervals of seasonably warm low-mid 80s across the Midwest with 2-3 day periods of slightly below average mid 70s, to average out near seasonal temperatures over several day time scales through mid June. Meanwhile the Southwest is the next coolest region relative to climatology until stagnant amplified flow can breakdown at some point during the 11-15 day period. As with all major pattern shifts models are highly uncertain with important aspects of change leading to volatile 11-15 day forecasts, but lower amplitude flow in itself almost ensures the core of greatest heat currently locked between the Pacific Northwest and northern Plains (mainly 11°-15° above average) will spread eastward in a modifying (weakening) form mid-late June. Modestly dry surface conditions which developed between the Midwest and mid Atlantic region in late spring set the stage for sustained slightly above average mid-upper 80s during the latter half of June in these areas, but wetter conditions already developing across most of the Northeast are a cooler (near seasonal) Eastern Seaboard signal into the start of July according to 30-day MWA ensemble forecasts.
If your business or career depends on correctly predicting the weather, you can follow the pack or you can get ahead with MWA’s proprietary models and expert forecasts.