The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has implemented a new weather modeling system, known as the Rapid Refresh Forecast System (RRFS), which combines the strengths of existing regional models to deliver detailed, hourly-updating, short-term forecasts over North America.
This new system replaces a patchwork of aging regional systems and advances the evolution of NOAA's weather model system toward a unified global-to-local forecast system. The RRFS provides more accurate and earlier forecasts to support the protection of life and property.
The RRFS also features seamless predictions for coastal and offshore areas, eliminating the need for forecasters to switch between different weather models. According to NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs, the implementation of RRFS represents a major step towards modernizing NOAA's weather forecast modeling suite, delivering more accurate and earlier forecasts to support Americans' safety and security.
The system includes advanced functions to improve forecasts of fire weather, smoke, and dust plumes, and provides valuable information for emergency managers, first responders, and broadcasters.