National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS) model output with 0.25-degree resolution will be added to the Internet Data Distribution (IDD) CONDUIT data stream on July 28, 2015.

Update: GFS 0.25-degree output is now available via the CONDUIT data stream.

NCEP began producing the GFS model output with a 0.25-degree resolution for use in weather forecasting operations in January, 2015. Unidata Program Center staff have tested the 0.25-degree GFS model output internally and have been working with operators of top-level IDD relay sites to ensure that they have the capacity to handle the increased data volume associated with this new data stream. The approximate volume of the 0.25-degree GFS model output is 20 GB per model run, four times each day. For comparison, all of the current GFS model output delivered via CONDUIT (GFS 0.5-degree, 1-degree, and 2.5-degree) total approximately 5 GB per model run, four times each day.

As many in the Unidata community are aware, on January 14, 2015 the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) began producing Global Forecast System (GFS) model output with 0.25-degree resolution for use in weather forecasting operations. This output is now available to be added to the Unidata Internet Data Distribution (IDD) system's CONDUIT data stream.

We would like to better understand the level of interest in receiving this model output among Unidata community members. We are also soliciting information on Unidata sites' capacity to receive this volume of data via the CONDUIT “push” mechanism. We have created a short online questionnaire to collect community input; read on for details.

On August 21, 2012, NCEP will be upgrading the Short-Range Ensemble Forecast System (SREF). SREF output is delivered to Unidata community members via the CONDUIT data stream.

During late March and early April 2012 the Unidata Program Center conducted a survey of Cooperative Opportunity for NCEP Data Using IDD Technology (CONDUIT) users to determine which of the model output currently included in the feed are in use, which are candidates for removal from the feed, and which new model runs (if any) should be added to the feed.

Example RAP output

Rapid Refresh (RAP) is the next-generation hourly-updated replacement for the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) numerical model covering North America. The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), along with the Earth Systems Research Laboratory (ESRL) have been running the RAP model experimentally for some time, and NCEP plans to switch to the RAP for operational use on Tuesday, May 1 2012. (If May 1st is a Critical Weather Day, the transition will take place as soon as practical afterward).