Mesoscale Numerical Weather Prediction with the WRF Model

Through a collaborative partnership, principally among NCAR, NOAA, DoD, OU/CAPS, FAA, and universities, the U.S. modeling community is developing a next-generation mesoscale model, known as the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The goals of the WRF project are to develop an advanced mesoscale forecast and data assimilation system and to accelerate research advances into operations. The model is intended to improve forecast accuracy across scales ranging from cloud to synoptic, with priority emphasis on horizontal grid resolutions of 1-10 kilometers. Numerous real-time forecasting experiments are being conducted to evaluate WRF performance in a variety of forecast applications. In addition, the model is being comprehensively tested for an ensemble approach to be implemented operationally at NCEP. This paper will describe the WRF model, discuss current status of development, and present recent results on the prediction of mesoscale weather systems.