NOAA/NWS SOO STRC WRF Environmental Modeling System |
Now Available: WRF EMS Version 3.1.1 beta release - 06 November 2009 - Announcement
WRF EMS: What is it?
Why should you care?
Who uses the WRF EMS?
What if I need help?
How do I get the WRF EMS?
How do I contribute?
The Weather Research and Forecast Environmental Modeling System (WRF EMS) is a complete, full-physics, state-of-the-science numerical weather prediction (NWP) package that incorporates dynamical cores from both the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Advanced Research WRF (ARW) and the National Center for Environmental Predictions' (NCEP) non-hydrostatic mesoscale model (NMM) releases into a single end-to-end forecasting system. All the capability of the NCEP and NCAR packages are retained within the WRF EMS; however, the installation, configuration, and execution of the models have been greatly simplified to encourage its use within the operational, private, and University forecasting and research communities.
Nearly every element of an operation NWP system has been integrated into the WRF EMS, including the acquisition and processing of initialization data, model execution, forecast data processing, and file migration and archiving. Even tools for the display of forecast and simulation data are provided. Real-time forecasting operations are simplified through the use of an automated process that integrates various fail-over options and the synchronous post processing and distribution of forecast files. In addition, the WRF EMS can be easily configured to run on a single, stand-alone workstation or a cluster of Linux computers (Beowulf cluster).
The WRF EMS package was developed to promote the local use of numerical weather prediction models in the US National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) in order to achieve the following goals set by the SOO Science and Training Resource Coordinator (SOO STRC):
1. To improve the knowledge and use of NWP forecast models and issues at the local level
2. To advance the forecasting process through an improved understanding of mesoscale atmospheric processes and the use of non-traditional diagnostic tools
3. To increase participation among the WFOs and other agencies in developing and running NWP systems to examine local forecast problemsRunning the WRF EMS locally at 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, and
5) A method of training forecasters on NWP-related issues.
Beside the US NWS forecast offices and River Forecast Centers, the WRF EMS package has been download for use by numerous US government agencies, commercial companies, non-profit institutions, and academic institutions, as well as users in more than 50 foreign countries.
The SOO/STRC WRF EMS modeling package is fully supported by the NWS Science and Training Resource Coordinator. US NWS and other NOAA agencies may request help from the SOO STRC directly. Support is also available to other government agencies upon request. Non-governmental agencies, such as non-profit groups, academic institutions and the commercial sector are also welcome to use the WRF EMS; however, support will be limited and up to the discretion of the SOO STRC. This means that you can ask for help but it may take a while to get a response, so be persistent and patient, it will eventually pay off.
Please keep in mind that all WRF EMS activities are conducted by a single person. This includes testing, package design, development, support, research, computer maintenance, EMS real-time data server upkeep, web site development (or lack thereof), DVD burning, labeling, and mailing. So be kind and understanding as nothing gets done as quickly as it should.
The WRF EMS is available from the SOO/STRC web site. Registration is required for non-NWS users. A WRF EMS DVD is also available upon request from the SOO STRC but you will still have to register first.
What if I have a brilliant idea that must be incorporated into the EMS?
The WRF EMS package is always under development, so please feel free to send the SOO STRC your suggestions for improvement.