Training

Readings

Guidelines for Nowcasting Techniques

This document provides information and knowledge on how to implement a nowcasting system with the resources available to NMHSs, and an understanding of the current state of science and technology. Published by WMO.

Guidelines on Ensemble Prediction Systems and Forecasting

These guidelines are intended to provide some general advice to forecasters and forecast providers on the effective use of EPS, and on what EPS can and cannot be expected to provide. A general working knowledge of the principles and use of NWP is assumed. Published by WMO.

Manual on the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System. Volume I – Global Aspects

This Manual is designed to facilitate cooperation in data-processing and forecasting among WMO Members; to specify obligations of Members in the implementation of the World Weather Watch (WWW) Global Data processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS);and to ensure adequate uniformity and standardization in the practices and procedures. Prepared by WMO.

Videos

Basic Weather Theory

This video presents an introduction to the basic weather theory, with emphasis on the atmosphere, atmospheric circulation, atmospheric pressure, and wind patterns. By Nicholas Williams

Monitoring the weather

Recorded lecture about monitoring of weather. It provides explanation of some basic characteristics of the atmosphere and weather. By Michele M., Yavapai College

Weather Basics: Clouds and Precipitation

Video about clouds, how they form, and the different types. It also presents the varieties of precipitation that fall from clouds, and what causes them. By the National Weather Service La Crosse, WI

Meteorology II

Recorded presentation about severe weather and how it works: from fog, to thunderstorms, to icing. By Private Pilot Study, a free online aviation study group

Severe Weather

A broadcast on severe weather, including storms and tornados. By C. Jackson

Anatomy of a Super Storm

Video about the deadly storms of April 2017 (USA). Data from NOAA's satellite GOES-16 is used to show the storms' formations. By SciShow News

Forecasting Organized Severe Storms: Basic Ingredients and Pattern Recognition

Basic ingredients and pattern recognition that the forecasters can use to assess severe-weather potential. By Dr. Ariel E. Cohen, National Weather Service Topeka, KS

Games

Meteorology & Flash Floods Quiz

This game tests meteorological understanding related to flash floods. This resource is directed to forecaster training. Can be played online or printed to use in training events. Prepared by WMO-FFGS.

FFGS & Weather Forecasting Quiz

Questions in this quiz address elements of weather forecasting within FFGS. This resource is directed to forecaster training. Can be played online or printed to use in training events. Prepared by WMO-FFGS.

Make a Thunderstorm

This interactive game provides good illustration of processes that are required for development of a thunderstorm. Prepared by UCAR.

Create a Snowstorm

Interactive game providing opportunity to check understanding of how the position of high and low pressure systems can cause a snowstorm. Prepared by UCAR.

Numerical Weather Prediction Models and Forecasting - Describe Terms

Spin the wheel to be given a NWP term to explain. This resource is directed to forecaster's training. Fun game to play online in group training events. Prepared by WMO-FFGS.

Supercell Storm

Interactive game where players can check their knowledge of elements of a supercell storm. Provided by PurposeGames.

Online Courses

Principles of Convection I: Buoyancy and CAPE

This module provides a brief overview of Buoyancy and CAPE, including topics such as the origin of atmospheric buoyancy, estimating buoyancy using the CAPE and Lifted Index, factors that affect buoyancy including entrainment of mid-level air, water loading, convective inhibition, and the origin of convective downdrafts. By COMET® Program

Principles of Convection II: Using Hodographs

This lesson provides a basic understanding of how to plot and interpret hodographs, with application to convective environments. By COMET® Program

Principles of Convection III: Shear and Convective Storms

This module discusses the role of wind shear in the structure and evolution of convective storms. Using the concept of horizontal vorticity, the module demonstrates how shear enhances uplift, leading to longer-lived supercell and multicell storms. By COMET® Program

Tropical Mesoscale Convective Systems

This module covers all modes of MCSs with a strong focus on the tropics and the different aspects that brings to MCS development, maintenance, and structure. It describes conceptual models of MCSs and the dynamical and physical processes that influence their evolution. By COMET® Program

Tropical Severe Local Storms

This module provides a brief overview of severe local storms in the tropics. Basic ingredients for thunderstorms and assessment of thunderstorm potential from soundings are described. By COMET® Program

Tropical Mesoscale and Local Circulations

This interactive module is part of an online university-level tropical synoptic meteorology course, which helps international meteorologists meet basic instructional requirements. By COMET® Program

Local Tropical Cyclone Precipitation Forecasting and Communication

This lesson introduces learners to the challenges in predicting and communicating localized tropical cyclone (TC) rainfall threats. By COMET® Program

Introduction to Tropical Meteorology, 2nd Edition, Chapter 1: Introduction

This module introduces learners to tropical meteorology including various methods of defining the tropics. An overview of energy balance and the global climate system is presented. By COMET® Program

Introduction to Tropical Meteorology, 2nd Edition: Chapter 7: Synoptic and Mesoscale Systems

This module examines the wide-variety of synoptic and mesoscale weather systems that affect the tropics, including, tropical easterly waves, upper tropospheric troughs, monsoon depressions, subtropical cyclones, westerly wind bursts, and cold fronts. By COMET® Program

Introduction to Tropical Meteorology, 2nd Edition, Chapter 8: Tropical Cyclones

This module describes tropical cyclones' seasonal and geographic variability and controls, decadal cycles, and history of naming conventions. By COMET® Program

Severe Convection: Mesoscale Convective Systems

This module describes typical system evolution by examining squall line, bow echo, and MCC characteristics throughout their life cycles. By COMET® Program

Snowmelt Processes: International Edition

This module examines the influences of environmental conditions on snowfall distribution, snowpack structure, snowpack-environment energy exchange, and finally, the rate and amount of snowmelt itself. By COMET® Program

Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process: Introduction

This lesson is the introduction for the "NWP training series: Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process". It demonstrates the value added by human forecasters to NWP forecasts through recent precipitation verification. By COMET® Program

NWP Training Series Course 1 NWP Basis and Background

NWP Basics and Background, is the first course in the "NWP training series: Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process". Course 1 includes lessons on how the forecast is affected by the basic building blocks of model systems, such as the dynamics, physics, and assimilation. Additional lessons introduce new tools, such as downscaling of NWP model data, bias correction, and ensemble systems. By COMET® Program

NWP Training Series Course 2: Using and Adding Value to NWP in the Forecast Process

Using and Adding Value to NWP in the Forecast Process, is the second course in the "NWP training series: Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process". Course 2 contains material on using NWP in the forecast process. These lessons are accompanied by brief WES caselets to reinforce the operational application of key concepts. By COMET® Program

Adding Value to NWP Guidance

This lesson includes use of the methods and tools from "Course 2 of Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process" (module presented above). The purpose of this module is to train operational meteorologists how to maximize opportunities to add value to NWP forecasts. By COMET® Program

How Mesoscale Models Work

This module is an introduction to mesoscale models. Aimed to improve the understanding of how the models work and how to evaluate model-generated forecast products. By COMET® Program

NWP Essentials: NWP and Forecasting

This module introduces forecasters to the complex and multifaceted process for creating a forecast. It also discusses how NWP fits into that process. By COMET® Program

Optimizing the Use of Model Data Products

This module guides the learner through the abundance of model data, supporting the understanding and interpretation of the model’s story. By COMET® Program

Introduction to Ensemble Prediction

This webcast is a shorter companion to the "Ensemble Prediction Explained" (another module by COMET), focusing more directly on immediate operational needs. Introductory content includes the role of ensemble forecasts, presentation of basic ensemble forecasting terms, and discussion of how ensemble prediction systems (EPSs) are created. By COMET® Program

Limitations of High-Resolution NWP Models

This scenario-based lesson examines how the limitations of high-resolution NWP forecasts affect their analyses and forecasts of winter and severe weather, and how best to use the output in light of the limitations. By COMET® Program

Communicating Forecast Uncertainty

This scenario-based lesson introduces the topic of communicating forecast uncertainty to decision-makers, such as emergency managers, related industry professionals, the public, and other end-users. By COMET® Program

Ten Common NWP Misconceptions

This lesson introduces forecasters to ten of the most commonly encountered or significant misconceptions about NWP models. By COMET® Program