Topic outline


    • 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