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).
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