New and Improved 30 day Global 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
March 20 - Long Range Summary
Winter-like arctic air in place across the entire Eastern half of the U.S. will linger longest over the Southeast into early Tuesday at near 20° below average intensity where NWS overnight Freeze Warnings remain in place. Meanwhile the central U.S. is already warming above average and this warmer airmass will reach the Eastern U.S. midweek in milder southerly flow ahead of the next series of closely spaced Pacific storms lined up to move onto the West Coast at 36-48 hour intervals. The lead Western storm forecast to eject east of the Rockies midweek and the East Saturday will not tap into cold air nearly as intense as 20°-30° below average temperatures observed last week. However, very cold air by spring standards remains available over snow covered Canada to be tapped by the parade of coast to coast tracking storms to frequently cool temperatures across most of the Eastern half of the U.S. to at least moderately (7°-10°) below average levels starting during the latter half of this week. Several additional rounds of late season snow are also forecast across most of the northeastern quadrant of the U.S. including a potential significant winter storm in the interior Northeast at the end of the 6-10 day period (Mar 28-29). More importantly all extended models prolong this active cold-biased U.S. storm pattern devoid of sustained above average warmth (or Southeastern ridging), adding confidence to continued delay of full establishment of spring-like temperatures across most of the Eastern U.S. into mid April.
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.