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.
July 22 - Long Range Summary
Sharp west – east contrast in place across the U.S. is certain to persist into the middle of this week; separating excessive triple digit heat in most of the West, from mild below average temperatures by midsummer standards (mainly 80s) across the majority of Midwest, South, and East. Now that the anomalous amplified pattern driving these temperature anomalies is near peak model forecasts aligned markedly with important aspects of relaxation back to widespread summerlike flow before July is over. Not only are all extended range models fully onboard with eastward expansion of Western heat this week across the northern half of the U.S. all the way to the East Coast by next weekend (Jul 27-28), but recent forecasts are significantly hotter across the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, mid Atlantic region, and Northeast with most generating a heatwave (3 consecutive days or more of 90s) into early the following week (Jul 29-30). Model forecasts valid during the 11-15 day period (early August) are less aligned but all generate varying degree of moderation across the Midwest (seasonal at best), after which longer range guidance re-establishes well above average heat for a much longer period into late August. Seasonably cool and wet conditions currently focusing between the southern half of Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley are forecast to linger the longest into the 1st week of August, but drier conditions and above average temperatures are on track to resume and predominate the majority of the final month of summer. Models are also weaker and briefer with temperature moderation across the West; including coldest areas of the Pacific Northwest which only drop slightly below average this workweek, before warming to less extreme but prolonged above average temperatures (upper 80s-low 90s) starting by the coming weekend (Jul 27-28).
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.