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.
December 16 - Long Range Summary
Below average temperatures lingering in the Northeast this past weekend are not extreme but are several degrees colder than models forecast as arctic air typically erodes slowly. Warming in the wake of last week’s intense arctic air outbreak will continue to be limited through the 1st half of this coming week by snow and/or ice events models forecast across the northern U.S. and as far south as the southern Appalachians as several milder Pacific storms eject east of the Rockies. More importantly a strong midweek storm exiting the East Coast is forecast to tap into the coldest arctic airmass yet in Canada virtually ensuring plummeting late week temperatures across the Eastern 3rd of the country extending deep into the Southeast and Florida at 15° below average intensity or greater by this weekend (Dec 21-22). Unlike most arctic air outbreaks observed since Thanksgiving a less intense glancing blow of cold air spilling into the central U.S. will only produce slightly below average temperatures across Texas. Milder temperatures in the central-southern Plains are related to much warmer model shifts across Western North America generating several days of record warmth across the Desert Southwest (near 80°) during the latter half of this week. Longer range implications of strong Western warming scouring arctic air out of western Canada extend milder flow across the Eastern half of the U.S. potentially producing the longest stretch of above average temperatures yet this winter between the end of December into early January. Latest 30-day MWA ensemble runs also latched onto this warmer 11-15 day signal, but still sharply cool the Eastern U.S. below average much of January starting early in the 2nd week of the month. In support latest CFSv2 model mean January forecasts continue to trend colder favoring predominance of seasonal to below average midwinter temperatures east of the Rockies.
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.