Short-term Prediction Research
and Transition Center

Transition to Operations

SPoRT staff members work closely with the NWS Southern Region staff, and forecasters at local Weather Forecast Offices to identify forecast problems and develop ways to address those problems using timely, high resolution NASA observations and unique research capabilities. Techniques are developed and integrated into a test-bed (or rapid prototype) environment which demonstrates the operational feasibility of a proposed solution. Promising approaches are then integrated into the NWS forecast environment by integrating the data and forecast products directly into the NWS decision support systems like AWIPS. This allows forecasts to access and display the supplemental information like any other product routinely available to them. By addressing forecast problems of interest to the WFO staff, and providing solutions in their display systems, inherit ownership in the supplemental product is achieved and the forecasters are willing to provide guidance and feedback on the utility of the new tool or capability (see assessment page).

Forecast problems in the Southern Region include (but are not limited to)

• correct diagnosis of cloud cover, fog and visibility (particularly at night)
• night-time minimum temperature forecasts
• precipitation - areal coverage, amount, and timing of precipitation
• severe weather (hail, high winds, lightning, and tornados) - improved accuracy and advanced warning / lead time
• determination of location of convective activity
• diagnosing atmospheric moisture variability as it relates to minimum temperatures, clouds, and precipitation
• diagnosis and prediction of atmospheric stability and winds at the regional and local scales
• data voids (Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, ocean regions) contribute to forecast errors in cloud cover, precipitation, and basic state parameters
• land breeze / sea breeze weather
• accurate marine weather forecasts (off-shore to 60nm temperature, winds, seas state, etc.)

Tools to help forecasters with these problems come in the form of nowcasting products (to provide diagnostic capabilities over the next 0-60 minutes) and short-term (0-24 hour) weather forecasts over a region of interest.

Training is an important aspect to a forecaster's use of new products or capabilities. SPoRT staff members provide a variety of training on new data, products, or capabilities in the form of "science sharing sessions ( 1 on a few in office briefings), PowerPoint presentations, and VISITview modules. The later can be exchanged between offices and use by forecasters at any time.