METHOD OF NUMERICAL FORECASTING BY JUXTAPOSITION OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL SOLUTIONS, AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE EQUIVALENT BAROTROPIC MODEL

Abstract

By juxtaposition of a series of one-dimensional solutions at adjacent latitudes, numerical forecasts may easily and inexpensively be incorporated into forecasting routine. Forecasts for 140 degrees of longitude, for the region 30 to 70°N, can be prepared in 60 to 90 minutes by one person. It is suggested that, for some purposes of forecasting and synoptic research, these calculations may be used to approximate the solutions obtained with the aid of electronic computing equipment, with a considerable saving of time and expense. In application to the equivalent-barotropic model of Charney and Eliassen, the accuracy of the method is comparable to that of synoptic forecasts prepared in the conventional manner. The latter are presented for comparison, in a set of four 24-hour forecasts.