Why should I care?

The STRC EMS package was developed to promote the use of local numerical weather prediction models within the US National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) in order to achieve the following goals established by the SOO Science and Training Resource Coordinator (SOO STRC):

1. To improve the knowledge and use of NWP models and issues at the local level
2. To advance the forecasting process through an improved understanding of atmospheric processes and the use of non-traditional forecast tools
3. To increase participation among the WFOs and other agencies in developing and running NWP systems to examine local forecast problems

Running the EMS locally will serve to provide:

1. NWP guidance to NWS WFOs and River Forecast Centers (RFCs) at temporal and spatial scales not available from operational data sources
2. A powerful tool for studying local forecast problems and historically significant weather events
3. An alternative to the configuration and physics of operational systems
4. A means to develop and test new diagnostic forecast techniques
5. A method of training forecasters on NWP-related issues
6. More hair on your head and less on your back, and that’s a good thing