Expanding SPoRT Collaborations with WFOs in other Regions

1. Expanding SPoRT Collaborations with WFOs in other Regions Opportunities for NASA and the NWS

2. Why Extend SPoRT to Other Regions • Benefits to NOAA / NWS: • Provide tools / capabilities to improve short-term weather forecasts to a broader spectrum of WFOs – save lives and property • Demonstrate how the unique data can be used to address forecast problems of other regions – different forecast problems • Prepare forecasters for data and products from new operational NOAA instruments • Benefits to NASA: • Demonstrate the utility of NASA observations for operational applications – societal benefits • Help NOAA better prepare for the use of measurements from new systems

3. Mission: Apply unique NASA Earth science research and observations to improve the accuracy of short-term (0-24 hr) weather prediction at the regional and local scale Real-time NASA data and research capabilities Stick with SPoRT Mission / Paradigm • Apply SPoRT Paradigm • Focused research – match forecast problem to data / capabilities • Evaluate solutions in “testbed” mode • Transition to WFOs and end users in their decision support system (AWIPS / AWIPS2) • training • feedback • assessment • End user (forecaster) involvement in entire process • http://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sporthttp://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sportblog

4. Work with Regions / SSDs and WFOs • Explore unique / challenging forecast problems in region • Match NASA solutions to problems • Identify collaborative WFOs • group by common interests / problems • must be willing to actively participate – use data, feedback, interaction with SPoRT • Initially 2 groups of 3-4 WFOs in each region (1 in AK, HI) • Need Regions to be / provide a focal point and endorsement of expansion effort MODIS Fog MODIS False Color Don’t Just Throw Data over the Fence Total Lightning AMSR-E Rain Rate MODIS SST in WRF CIRA TPW

5. Forecast Problems / Solutions • SPoRT does not presume we know the issues forecasters deal with on a daily basis! • Expansion in Southern Region –coastal WFOs • talk with coastal WFOs about problems and what data / tools they thought we had that might help – SSTs, off-shore systems, local modeling (made some visits to these WFOs) • Some Southern Region forecast problems • timing, location, intensity of severe weather and precipitation • diagnostic analysis of current conditions, cloud cover, visibility, fog, etc. (esp. at night), morning minimum temperatures (and its local variations) • wildfire locations and visibility restrictions • snow cover • coastal weather processes (sea breeze convection / temperatures), off-shore precipitation processes • weather in data void regions (storms, moisture sources – atmospheric rivers) • Identify regional forecast problems in other regions • Input through Regions – SPoRT will make Region/WFO visits • Alaska and Hawaii will have significantly different forecast issues – SPoRT to visit to learn first hand transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

6. SPoRT ingests real-time MODIS and AIRS data from several direct broadcast systems, AMSR-E products from near real-time sources, other products from NESDIS, etc. • highest resolution possible (down to 250m for MODIS) • some dbs also produce products which are useful in our applications • SPoRT generates need products when not available for other sources • data / products reformatted and sectorized for AWIPS • Work with WFOs on product display in AWIPS • develop appropriate localizations for display • consistent with similar products from GOES, enhancement tables, units, etc. • Suite of some 30 SPoRT products delivered to Regions via LDM • Region delivers selected products to targeted WFOs Disseminate existing data / products to other Regions / WFOs - straight-forward – simpler with AWIPS2 (no need to sectorize the data) • obtain access to data / products from additional dbs for AK and HI • pass on localization instructions, naming conventions, etc. • can use existing product training modules, etc. New products follow same approach – just require slight localization modifications Data Dissemination to WFOs

7. Training is key to the transition of products to operations • Provide technical information on products to be used • Communicate to other partners the lessons learned from initial testing • Demonstrate utility and application to a forecast issue Adult professionals who want to know how to apply the product in the workplace SPoRT utilizes a variety of training methods • Distance learning and site visits • Regular monthly coordination calls • PowerPoint and Articulate Presenter modules Modules will be updated and re-used for forecasters in other Regions. New modules easily developed. 5 product modules developed in last year – transitioning to LMS Training

8. Collaborative Feedback / Assessments • SPoRT expects active participation from forecasters at participating and collaborating WFOs • Regular view products and use them to address forecast issues • Provide SPoRT liaisons feedback on product use, strengths, weaknesses, limitations, and suggested improvements • Participate in regular collaboration calls and collaboration workshops • Jointly (with SPoRT) develop and publish assessment on the utility of NASA observations and research capabilities to improve short-term weather forecasts • internal reports • conference papers • journal articles http://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sport/evaluations/

9. Short-term • Establish focal points within SPoRT and each Region • SSD Chief endorsement of collaboration – coordinate collaboration calls • identify NWS focal point for each region – could be at SSD level or an active WFO • Transition existing products to collaborating WFOs - existing forecast problems • regional LDMs, AWIPS, localizations, etc. • Form collaboration teams in other Regions • two groups of 3-4 WFOs in each • product / problem orientated • Identify forecast problems to be addressed with existing data • Add full time SPoRT liaison to assist with this collaboration • SPoRT liaison assigned to each region or by common forecast problem • Secure a real-time direct broadcast data stream for Alaska and Hawaii regions Phasing of Expansion

10. Phasing of Expansion • Short-term (continued) • Use collaboration teams to identify new forecast problems • match data / products to problem • develop transition plan (including schedule) for each (solution, testbed, transition, training, and assessment) • Integrate other non-SPoRT value-added products into dissemination process • e.g., unique UW/CIMSS products, CIRA, etc. • other NESDIS products • allows external collaborators to concentrate on new product development rather than transition • involve external collaborators in training, feedback, and assessment process • SPoRT remains single focal point for non-standard data into AWIPS/AWIPS2 (eases coordination burden on WFOS/ Regions)

11. Phasing of Expansion • Mid-term • Transition SPoRT suite of products to AWIPS2 • streamlines data dissemination • creates many new product / display opportunities • Transition data from NPP / NPOESS satellites (follow-on to NASA satellites) • Implement transition of new products to address forecast problems • test with interested WFO • develop training, conduct impact assessment • Add NWS Application Integration Meteorologists to each region – shared funding • new position in Huntsville WFO / Southern Region • help with liaison / transition activities within regions • could be at Region or active WFO • help in non- SPoRT transitions as well (GOES-R or “Satellite” Proving Ground)

12. Expansion Questions • What if AWIPS2 is delayed? -- AWIPS still works • What if NASA satellite sensors fail? -- NPP / NPOESS • What if all WFOs really want and can use SPoRT data? How do we handle that? -- can provide, NWS take lead on interaction • What is the relationship between SPoRT and others who are providing unique data to WFOs? -- collaboration • How do we interact with River Forecast Centers? National Centers (NHC, TPC, etc.) -- like WFOs in AWIPS2 • SPoRT needs additional financial resources to expand. What if those are not available? -- concentrate on focused transitions