The Operations Branch prepares long-range outlooks
(with lead times from one week to one year) for distribution to interested parties via the
Internet, National Weather Service offices and the press and broadcast media. It applies dynamical, empirical,
and statistical techniques to improve and extend the range of climate outlooks and
develops and operates systems for verification of its forecasts. The Operations Branch, jointly with
the Development Branch, tests new forecast methods
and models and conducts extensive research into new forecast methods.
The Operations Branch is also responsible for: stratospheric monitoring and UV
forecasts as well as assembling, quality checking, analyzing, interpreting and
disseminating current global climate data, products and information packages which are
necessary for climate monitoring, diagnosis, and prediction; and assessing climate impacts
on society.
The Climate Prediction Center, with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), operates the
Joint Agricultural Weather Facility to provide an advisory and information service on
weather and climate for use by USDA officials.
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