We are in the process of getting the final preparations ready for the EWP2012 spring experiment. Like in 2011, there will be three primary projects geared toward WFO applications, 1) evaluation of 3DVAR multi-radar real-time data assimilation fields being developed for the Warn-On-Forecast initiative, 2) evaluation of model performance and forecast utility of the OUN WRF when operations are expected in the Southern Plains, and 3) evaluation of multiple CONUS GOES-R convective applications, including pseudo-geostationary lightning mapper products when operations are expected within the Lightning Mapping Array domains (OK-TX, AL, DC, FL). We will be conducting EWP2012 for five weeks total (Monday – Friday), from 7 May through 15 June (Memorial Day week excluded).
New for this year, we will be conducting our operations using the AWIPS2 platform. For most of our visiting forecasters, this will be the first time they will use AWIPS2 for real-time operations, and we hope to get some feedback on its utility. Also new for this year, we are going to attempt a “flexible” shift schedule on Tue, Wed, Thu. A the end of the prior day’s shift, we take a look at the Day 2 outlook and forecast models and make a best guess at determining the timing and location of the follow day events. Our flex shifts will begin anytime between 12-3pm and end 8 hours later. This will allow us a better opportunity to catch severe weather events that had peaks outside our normal operating hours in the past.
We’ve “reclaimed” our Mondays as a real-time operations day. In the past, this day was mostly spent providing training and orientation to the visiting forecasters, and if there were any real-time events, we might not have the opportunity to work them. New for this year, the forecasters are taking the training at their WFOs/CWSUs before they arrive in Norman, via a series of self-paced presentations, Articulates, and a WES Virtual Machine case with most of the experimental products included.
Finally, each Friday of the experiment (11 May, 18 May, 25 May, 8 June, 15 June), from 12-1pm CDT, the WDTB will be hosting a weekly Webinar called “Tales From the Testbed”. These will be forecaster-led, and each forecaster will summarize their biggest takeaway from their week of participation in EWP2012. The audience is for anyone with an interest in what we are doing to improve NWS severe weather warnings.
So stay tuned on the blog for more information, daily outlooks and summaries, live blogging, and end-of-week summaries as we get underway on Monday 7 May!
Greg Stumpf, EWP2012 Operations Coordinator