Forecasting for a Large Field Program: STORM-FEST

Abstract

Stormscale Operational and Research Meteorology-Fronts Experimental Systems Test (STORM-FEST) was held from 1 February to 15 March 1992 in the central United States as a preliminary field systems test for an eventual larger-scale program. One of the systems tested was a remote operations center, located in Boulder, Colorado, which was significantly displaced from the main field concentration of scientists and research aircraft. In concert with the remote operations center test was a test of remote forecasting support, also centered in Boulder. The remote forecasting for STORM-FEST was the first major cooperative effort for the Boulder-Denver Experimental Forecast Facility (EFF), a cooperative effort between operations and research aimed at finding more effective ways of addressing applied meteorological problems. Two other newly formed EFF's, at Norman, Oklahoma, and Kansas City, Missouri, also played key roles in the forecasting/nowcasting support. A description of the design and function of this remote forecasting and nowcasting support is given, followed by an assessment of its utility during STORM-FEST. Although remote forecasting support was deemed plausible based on the STORM-FEST experience, a number of suggestions are given for a more effective way to conduct forecasting experiments and provide forecasting support during a field program.