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.

 

 

February 10 - Long Range Summary

A cold front diving through Texas late this past weekend marks effective end to sharp temperature contrast observed the past several days separating arctic air in the north central U.S. (~30° below average) from record heat observed across the Deep South (80s-90s). Now that significant expansion of unseasonably cold arctic air and snowcover are actually underway in the central U.S. greatly improved model consensus cools most of the western two thirds of the U.S. from the interior Pacific Northwest to the Mississippi Valley the greatest this week (20°-30° below average), after which the core of coldest air shifts eastward into the Midwest and East early next week (Feb 16-20) . Model alignment cooling the Eastern U.S. greatest during the 3rd   week of February is the closest yet to longstanding 30-day MWA ensemble forecasts, adding support to latest MWA ensemble forecasts which are slowest to moderate the Midwest and East maintaining well below average temperatures into the start of the final week of the month (11-15 day period). At this point there are no signs of additional arctic air outbreaks reaching the U.S. in an intense or prolonged manner through early March. However, the combination of widespread snowcover expansion in February and lingering La Niña conditions are a recipe for persistence of seasonably cold and quite wet early spring conditions across the majority of the northern U.S. Meanwhile fairly mild Southern U.S. conditions resuming by late February are likely to fluctuate between seasonal and moderately above average temperatures through early spring.


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.
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    Melita Weather Associates, 138 Northeast
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