Forecasting requirements for surface wind vectors over the ocean

Satellite wind vectors over the ocean surface are a staple product for local and marine weather forecasting. Satellites can offer better coverage in space and time that enables more accurate forecasting. The community of forecasters met in Miami at a workshop on NOAA Operational Satellite Ocean Surface Vector Wind Requirements (PDF, 3 MB), at the National Hurricane Center in June 2006. The meeting united a broad spectrum of folks representing the operational weather forecasters, the research community, and remote- sensing engineers to choose NOAA's requirements for the ocean surface wind vector. Much has been learned and much has changed over the past ten years with respect to the need for surface wind observations by satellites in weather forecasting. Because of this meeting, there is now greater acceptance of these satellite winds by the forecasters. In the long term, it pushes NOAA to deliver these wind products to operational forecast centers, and to improve the forecasts of hurricane intensities and intensity of winter storms.