Mesoscale Meteorology "Primer": Training for the Operational Forecaster

Abstract

Mesoscale meteorological processes and the numerical models designed to analyze and forecast these processes are currently in use by the majority of operational forecasters. Although National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters typically have an undergraduate or higher degree in meteorology, forecasters in the Department of Defense typically do not have college degrees. Even though they are quite well trained in synoptic scale processes and forecasting, there is little or no information available, at the proper level, to merge their synoptic skills with the mesoscale processes that actually affect their daily forecasts. To meet this need whereby the less-formally educated forecaster can develop an understanding of mesoscale processes and their application to mesoscale model guidance and forecasting, a Mesoscale Meteorology Primer is being developed.