The WRF EMS Version 3.4.1.13.23 has been unleashed on the masses, just in time for NWP modeling season! Was version 3.4.1.13.19 keeping you down? No worries, because the new release is everything you expect from free software developed with no budget and without support. Consequently, this release will probably keep you down as well, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the fruits of my labor.

So what makes this release so great, besides that it's newer?

Well, here is a summary:

a. Fixed problem when configuring nest within a global domain. Sub-domain point 1,1 was incorrectly defined relative to 0 deg longitude rather than 180 degrees.

b. Attempted fixed in networking when system's hostname is "local". Unable to replicate
error on STRC workstation so related problems may persist.

c. Changed INITFH from 1 to 0 in rap_gribinfo.conf.

d. Fixed problem with multiple 1000hPa height fields being written to GRIB.

e. Hopefully fixed a problem with the levels in GrADS control files not being set correctly.
This issue occurs when two fields, say temperature and cloud fraction, are defined
on the same vertical coordinate but at different levels.

Note: If you are currently running V3.4.1.13.19 you will need to copy the updated emsupp_cntrl.parm file from the data/tables/post directory to your <domain>/static directory.

f. Replaced missing narrfixed data file and changed MAXUDFREQ from 6 to 3 (hours) in narr_gribinfo.conf and narrptiles_gribinfo.conf. Now users get 3-hourly BC updates by default.

g. Fixed problem with NMM failing during real when GFS PBL scheme (3) was used.

h. Returned default value of Short wave Radiation scheme for ARW core to 01 from 02. Although RA_SW_PHYSICS = 02 is preferred, users were complaining about slower runs times.

i. Fixed initialization failure when RAP hybrid and isobaric (NAM) vertical coordinate data sets were used. Problem due to bug in WRF module_initialize_real.F routine when U- and V- wind components were being vertically interpolated.

j. Updated EMS AUTOPOST configuration file.

k. Added a workaround for an NFS related issue when distributing the EMS UPP load across multiple systems. The problem was isolated to NFS file attribute cashing in the
client systems.

l. Fixed problem with reflectivity values output from the model when using the Thompson
MP scheme by updating the module_mp_radar.F.

m. A 12th herb or spice added (not sure which), just to "one-up" the Colonel!

 

If you're stuck in the age of EMS V3.2.1.X, well then gramps, here is your opportunity to cool down from chasing kids off your lawn and inject some "better than bingo" excitement into your life. All you will need is the current EMS install utility and a willingness to let go of the past, as in your current release.

To do a new install:

% ems_install.pl --install

And if you simply want to simply freshen up your three week old EMS V3.4.1.13.19 that's becoming tarnished:

% ems_install.pl --update

If you are registered but don't have the current EMS install utility then feel free to contact me for the update; otherwise, you will have to register.

NWS offices may simply contact me - no registration required.

It's Here! It's Here! The new phonebook EMS is finally here!

It's here! It's here! The new EMS is finally here!

After many, many months, the WRF EMS Version 3.4.1.X is now available. You read that correctly, EMS V3.4.1.X is no longer vaporware. It now awaits your commands and attention, kind of like a puppy, only much cuter.

So what the $&^D& took so long? Well, here is a summary:

a. The entire EMS infrastructure has been rewritten to support the future integration of modeling packages such as the NMM-B. The emphasis is on “future” here.

b. All packages and utilities such as netCDF, MPICH2, wgrib2, ncview, GrADS, and NAWIPS, have been updated. Everything, and I mean everything, was modified and tested before receiving the EMS seal of approval.

c. Numerous new fields have added to the WRF model output, including:

• Accumulated Rainfall, Freezing Rain, Snow & Ice, Graupel, Hail

• Instantaneous and period maximum precipitation rates for Rainfall, Freezing Rain, Snow & Ice, Graupel, Hail

• Period maximum precipitable water, integrated graupel and hail

• Maximum & Minimum 2m Temperature, RH, 10m wind speed, gusts

• Many, Many more

d. Support for 3D analysis and Spectral nudging has been added - So let’s go crazy!

e. Support for Global simulations with nested domains has been added

I know you’re already dizzy from excitement, but wait, there’s more!

f. The EMSUPP, which is the EMS version of the Unified Post Processor, (UPP) has been heavily modified to accommodate all the new fields written to your GRIB files. Many additional fields have been added including:

• Synthetic satellite imagery

• Period and storm total accumulated total precipitation, Rainfall, Freezing Rain, Snow & Ice, Graupel, Hail

• Aviation fields (CAT, In-flight icing, ICAO level fields)

• Period Maximum and instantaneous simulated reflectivity for the ARW and NMM

• Period Maximum and instantaneous updraft helicity for NMM and ARW

g. The EMS UPP control file, which determines the fields written to GRIB, has been cleaned up and documented to ease your pain and frustration. Just because your pain is my pain.

h. The EMS BUFR (and BUFKIT) file generation software has been completely and totally rewritten, from scratch, by my own fingers, to make sure all the fields were populated and the information correct. ARW core cloud cover profiles have been added, because it wasn’t going to get done by itself!

i. The 200+ page EMS User Guide was updated simply to include additional information that nobody will read.

j. The auxiliary files, which really work this time, are available for the NMM and ARW cores Phew, that’s enough for now.

k. Hey, did I mention that the EMS can now be run under a Bash shell (/bin/bash)? Ubuntu users no longer have to suffer through the trouble of editing all the routines and modules just so they can be part of the EMS community.

I would list all the changes and enhancements to the EMS, but I’m much too exhausted to bother, even if I could recall them all. Besides, the details would just be a distraction from what's really important - Modeling!

If you are a registered EMS user, you will receive an email with the new installation utility and same old instructions. If you are not registered, well, you should be.