COMPUTER ANALYSIS AND FORECASTING IN THE TROPICS

Abstract

Computer-prepared analyses of the upper-air wind field are being made for several levels for the tropical Pacific Ocean area of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Computer analyses compare favorably with conventional analyses. The availability and accuracy of wind reports from aircraft are discussed. Some details of the IBM 704 tropical analysis program are pointed out. Computer analyses are used in a statistical wind-forecasting technique for the Tropics. Verification shows that the statistical forecasts are about as good as those prepared by conventional methods. Experiments aimed at objectively deriving a stream function from observed winds are described and the results discussed.