The Emergence of Weather-Related Testbeds Linking Research and Forecasting Operations

Abstract

Test beds have become an integral part of the weather enterprise, bridging research and forecast services by transitioning innovative tools and tested methods that impact forecasts and forecast users.

A Vision for Future Observations for Western U.S. Extreme Precipitation and Flooding

“…This effort is informed by a range of user‐requirements workshops, scientific advances, and technological demonstrations over the last several years. Key elements of a vision for these improvements were prepared (at the WSWC's request) by the authors, and have been presented to the WSWC, which has approved a formal Resolution stating its official “position.” The Resolution (the full resolution is available from WSWC and is reproduced in NOAA , ) states that recent advances in weather forecasting research, such as that of NOAA's Hydrometeorological Testbed program on West Coast atmospheric rivers (Ralph et al , ), demonstrate the potential for improving extreme event forecasting at operational time scales. Benefits of advanced flood warning can be as much as a third of all residential damages, based largely on the ability to remove valuables from risk areas (Day et al ).…”

Untitled

“…The AMU was established in 1991 jointly by NASA, the U.S. Air Force (USAF), and the National Weather Service (NWS) to provide tools and techniques for improving weather support to the Space Shuttle Program [Madura et al, 2011]. The primary customers were the USAF 45th Weather Squadron (45 WS) and the NWS Spacefl ight Meteorology Group (who provided the weather observing and forecast support for Shuttle operations).…”

“…The primary customers were the USAF 45th Weather Squadron (45 WS) and the NWS Spacefl ight Meteorology Group (who provided the weather observing and forecast support for Shuttle operations). SPoRT was established in 2002 to transition NASA satellite and remote-sensing technology to the NWS [Jedlovec, 2010]. The continuing success of these organizations suggests that the common principles guiding them may be valuable for similar endeavors in the space weather arena.…”

“…As Siscoe [2006] noted, there are significant opportunities for space weather organizations to learn from the terrestrial experience. Dedicated R2O organizations like the test beds described by Ralph et al [2013] are a common approach to improving terrestrial weather forecasting. Here we present experienceproven principles for establishment and operation of similar space weather organizations, public or private.…”

Transitioning Research to Operations: Transforming the “Valley of Death” Into a “Valley of Opportunity”

“…Dedicated R2O organizations like the test beds described by Ralph et al . [] are a common approach to improving terrestrial weather forecasting. Here we present experience‐proven principles for establishment and operation of similar space weather organizations, public or private.…”