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.
April 22 - Long Range Summary
Unseasonably cold air in place across the majority of the Eastern half of the U.S. this past weekend will briefly moderate closer to seasonal temperatures after a very cold start to the day Monday featuring overnight frost conditions deep into the mid South and Southeast. However, a final surge of cold Canadian air forecast to focus more directly into the Midwest and East midweek has models shifting markedly colder (15°-20° below average) for a 1-2 day period Wednesday-Thursday along with some mountain snow in the Northeast. Late week pattern change is certain to effectively end cold air transport into the U.S. while directing less intensely cool Pacific storms back through the West. This will end the extended period of well above average warmth underway west of the Rockies into midweek, but periodic rain-cooled temperatures (mainly 7°-10° below average daytime highs) starting during the latter half of this week (Apr 25-27) will be far from extreme. As the West cools the warmest air yet this year will flood most of the Midwest and East generating near 15° above average temperatures more typical of late May or early June for several consecutive days during the 6-10 day period. Models are highly uncertain with timing, track, and strength of the series of Pacific storms once they eject east of the Rockies. However, rain-cooled Eastern conditions are near certain to remain weak with the 11-15 day period marking the 1st opportunity for multiple days of temperatures closer to seasonal levels, in an otherwise mild late spring pattern likely to be warmest (relative to average) across the northeast quadrant of the U.S. during most of May.
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.