Tag: RRFS

  • CAWA Weekly Meteorology Brief — October 5, 2026

    The week at a glance

    Central Appalachia is heading into a quieter stretch of weather. A cold front will bring cooler air and a gusty breeze Monday, followed by the week’s main concern: frost Monday night into Tuesday morning.

    The best chance of frost will be across northern Pennsylvania, the mountains of northern West Virginia and western Maryland. A few of the coldest ridgetops may approach freezing. Gardeners and anyone with temperature-sensitive plants should be ready to protect them Monday evening.

    Tuesday through Saturday should be mostly dry. Temperatures gradually recover later in the week. Rain may return Sunday, but the timing and coverage are still uncertain.

    The practical takeaway: prepare for frost Monday night, then expect several low-impact fall days.


    Full technical briefing

    Seven-day forecast for Central Appalachia

    This outlook covers western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia, western Maryland and nearby portions of Central Appalachia.

    DayExpected patternMain concernWhat CAWA should do
    Monday, Oct. 5Cold front followed by clearingGusty wind; frost developing at nightPrepare frost messaging for northern and mountain counties
    Tuesday, Oct. 6Cold morning, sunny afternoonMorning frost; isolated freezing temperatures on ridgetopsCheck observations and any official frost or freeze headlines early
    Wednesday, Oct. 7Dry and warmerBreezy in parts of eastern Ohio; localized early mountain frostRoutine monitoring is enough
    Thursday, Oct. 8Mostly sunny and seasonableNo significant hazard expectedUse normal forecast coverage
    Friday, Oct. 9Weak front nearbyLittle or no rain expectedWatch for small timing changes, but no active coverage is indicated
    Saturday, Oct. 10Dry and mildNo significant hazard expectedRoutine monitoring is enough
    Sunday, Oct. 11Clouds increasing; rain possibleTiming and coverage of returning rain remain uncertainMonitor the Gulf system before making a firm rainfall forecast

    Monday: Cooler air arrives

    A cold front will cross the region, but it should have little moisture to work with. Most places will stay dry. Clouds should decrease through the day as cooler air spreads southeast.

    Northwest winds may gust between 20 and 25 mph, especially across western Maryland and the higher terrain. This is below typical advisory criteria, but it may be noticeable during outdoor activities.

    Attention then turns to Monday night. Canadian high pressure settling over the region will allow temperatures to fall into the middle and upper 30s across many northern and elevated locations. The Allegheny ridges could approach freezing.

    The most likely frost areas include northwestern Pennsylvania, Forest and Jefferson counties in Pennsylvania, Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia, and the colder valleys and ridges of western Maryland. Confidence is moderate: temperatures support frost, but lingering clouds or a slight breeze could limit how widespread it becomes.

    Prepare a simple frost graphic Monday afternoon. Clearly identify any Frost Advisory or Freeze Warning as an official NWS product if one is issued.

    Sources: NWS Pittsburgh forecast discussion, NWS Baltimore/Washington forecast discussion forecast.weather.gov

    Tuesday: Frosty start, quiet afternoon

    Tuesday morning should be the coldest part of the week. Frost may be widespread west of the Blue Ridge and more localized around Pittsburgh and eastern Ohio. Temperatures on the highest Allegheny ridgetops could briefly reach freezing.

    Patchy valley fog is also possible in West Virginia, with locally dense fog in protected mountain valleys. It should lift during the morning.

    Sunshine will follow, but afternoon temperatures will remain cool—generally in the 60s, with 50s in some mountain communities.

    Check temperatures, visibility and official NWS headlines early Tuesday. Once fog and frost clear, routine coverage should be sufficient.

    Sources: NWS Charleston forecast discussion, NWS Baltimore/Washington forecast discussion forecast.weather.gov

    Wednesday: Warmer, with a breeze in the west

    Southerly flow will begin returning warmer air to the region. Most areas should remain sunny and dry.

    A few sheltered locations in the northern West Virginia mountains could see another touch of frost early Wednesday, but the threat should be less extensive than Tuesday morning. Farther west, southwest winds may gust around 20 to 25 mph during the afternoon in portions of eastern Ohio.

    Neither concern currently appears significant enough for broad public messaging. Routine monitoring is enough unless local observations become more impactful.

    Source: NWS Cleveland forecast discussion forecast.weather.gov

    Thursday through Saturday: A quiet fall stretch

    High pressure should keep most of Central Appalachia dry through Saturday. Temperatures will gradually recover, with pleasant afternoons and cool nights.

    A weak cold front may pass late in the week, but current guidance suggests it will have little moisture. No organized severe-weather, flooding or excessive-heat signal is apparent in the local NWS guidance.

    Use normal forecast coverage. This should be a good period for reviewing tools and preparing for the upcoming operational model transition.

    Sources: NWS Pittsburgh forecast discussion, NWS Cleveland forecast discussion forecast.weather.gov

    Sunday: Rain may return

    Forecast guidance suggests moisture could move north from the Gulf late in the weekend. That would bring increasing clouds and a chance of rain, particularly across West Virginia and western Maryland.

    Confidence is low on the system’s track, timing and rainfall totals. The possibility is worth watching, but it is too early to advertise heavy rain or flooding.

    Monitor later model runs and any National Hurricane Center outlooks during the week. Hold off on specific rainfall graphics until the track becomes clearer.

    Sources: NWS Pittsburgh forecast discussion, NWS Charleston forecast discussion forecast.weather.gov


    Operational meteorology and communication updates

    RRFS and REFS implementation is now scheduled for October 14

    Updated scheduled implementation

    An important correction to earlier CAWA briefings: NCEP’s latest service notice schedules the operational implementation of RRFS and REFS for October 14, 2026—not October 6.

    The retirement of NAM, SREF, HREF, HiresW and NAM MOS has also moved to October 14. Parallel RRFS and REFS data remain available for testing.

    The extra eight days provide more time to check CAWA scripts, bookmarks, dashboards and graphics. Any workflow that directly requests a retiring model could fail after the transition. Particular attention should go to HREF severe-weather probabilities, NAM soundings, SREF plumes and NAM MOS displays.

    Before October 14:

    • Search code and configuration files for nam, namnest, sref, href, hiresw and NAM MOS products.
    • Confirm that replacement RRFS or REFS fields use the expected units and accumulation periods.
    • Test missing-data and stale-data alarms.
    • Avoid assuming that similarly named RRFS and HRRR fields are directly interchangeable.

    Sources: Updated RRFS and REFS implementation notice, updated model-retirement notice weather.gov

    WPC’s Probabilistic Precipitation Portal is operational

    Implemented around October 1

    The Weather Prediction Center’s Probabilistic Precipitation Portal has moved from experimental to operational status.

    The portal can help answer questions that a single deterministic rainfall map cannot, such as the probability of exceeding a certain amount at a location. That should be useful when CAWA is evaluating marginal heavy-rain situations or explaining why confidence in a specific rainfall total is limited.

    If portal graphics are used publicly, always retain the threshold, probability and valid period. A map showing a “40% chance” is incomplete without explaining what rainfall amount has a 40% chance of being exceeded.

    Sources: NWS service-change notices, WPC Probabilistic Precipitation Portal weather.gov

    “Particularly Dangerous Situation” wording expands to two winter warnings

    Implemented around October 1

    The NWS can now include Particularly Dangerous Situation wording in exceptionally serious Blizzard Warnings and Ice Storm Warnings.

    PDS is not a separate warning. It is stronger wording within an existing official warning, reserved for unusually dangerous situations with potentially extreme impacts.

    CAWA’s alert automation should preserve the PDS language instead of dropping it during summarization. Public posts should immediately explain the expected impact—such as prolonged whiteout conditions, crippling ice accumulation or extended power failures—rather than assuming everyone understands the label.

    Source: NWS service-change notices weather.gov

    Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook begins operational transition October 15

    Scheduled change

    The experimental Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook is scheduled to begin transitioning to operational status October 15, with completion expected by October 30.

    These outlooks can support quick briefings by presenting potential hazards graphically, but they are still outlook information—not watches or warnings. CAWA should verify any links or automated retrieval routines that depend on an experimental label or endpoint.

    When using GHWO graphics publicly, pair them with a plain-language explanation of timing and confidence. Avoid presenting a shaded outlook area as proof that hazardous weather will occur at every location inside it.

    Source: NWS Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook notice

    This briefing is planning guidance, not an official warning or substitute for current forecasts. Follow watches, warnings and advisories issued by the National Weather Service. This post was created with AI assistance.

  • CAWA Weekly Meteorology Brief — September 27, 2026

    The week at a glance

    This should be a fairly quiet week across Central Appalachia.

    Clouds left behind by the departing coastal storm may linger Monday, particularly across western Pennsylvania and the mountains. Patchy valley fog is also possible during the first few mornings of the week.

    Tuesday through Thursday should be dry and increasingly warm. Thursday looks like the warmest day, with highs near 80 around Pittsburgh and well into the 80s in parts of West Virginia and western Maryland. Humidity will remain low enough to prevent a significant heat hazard.

    A front may bring scattered showers beginning Thursday night or Friday. Rain chances could linger into the weekend, but forecast confidence drops considerably after Thursday. At this point, neither severe weather nor heavy rainfall appears likely.


    Full technical briefing

    Seven-day forecast for Central Appalachia

    This outlook covers western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia, western Maryland and nearby portions of Central Appalachia.

    DayExpected patternMain concernWhat CAWA should do
    Monday, Sept. 28Mostly dry with lingering cloudsEarly fog and low ceilings; isolated ridge drizzleCheck valley visibility before the morning update
    Tuesday, Sept. 29Dry and seasonablePatchy morning valley fogRoutine monitoring is enough
    Wednesday, Sept. 30Sunny and warmerNo significant hazard expectedRoutine monitoring is enough
    Thursday, Oct. 1Warmest day of the weekUnseasonable warmth; showers possible lateWatch the front’s timing Thursday evening
    Friday, Oct. 2Scattered showers possibleWet roads; low-confidence storm chanceKeep coverage flexible rather than planning a full operation
    Saturday, Oct. 3Front may remain nearbyScattered showers; cooler temperaturesCheck whether rain is clearing from northwest to southeast
    Sunday, Oct. 4Uncertain frontal positionAdditional showers possibleReassess after the late-week system becomes better sampled

    Monday: Clouds and pockets of fog

    The coastal storm responsible for the weekend’s clouds and wind will continue pulling away. Most of the region should remain dry, although a little drizzle or an upslope shower could linger along the Laurel Highlands and the higher terrain of northern West Virginia and western Maryland.

    Low clouds may be stubborn around western Pennsylvania. NWS Pittsburgh indicates a 40–60% chance that IFR ceilings linger into Monday morning at several aviation locations. Patchy valley fog is also possible, especially where skies clear and winds become light.

    No land-based watches, warnings or advisories were in effect for the Pittsburgh, Cleveland or Charleston forecast areas Sunday afternoon.

    Check webcams and visibility observations in the river valleys before posting the morning forecast. Conditions should gradually improve during the day. NWS Pittsburgh forecast discussion forecast.weather.gov

    Tuesday: Quiet and seasonable

    High pressure takes control Tuesday. Afternoon temperatures should generally reach the lower and middle 70s across eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, with somewhat warmer readings farther south.

    Fog may redevelop before sunrise in the sheltered valleys of West Virginia and western Pennsylvania. NWS Charleston expects any dense valley fog to lift quickly after sunrise.

    Routine monitoring is enough once the morning fog clears. NWS Charleston forecast discussion forecast.weather.gov

    Wednesday: Warmer, with plenty of dry weather

    Upper-level ridging will build across the eastern United States, allowing temperatures to climb. Most lower elevations should reach the middle or upper 70s, with lower 80s possible in parts of West Virginia.

    Dry air and weak forcing should prevent meaningful shower development. No organized hazardous weather is evident.

    Routine monitoring is enough. If fog forms early, it should be confined mainly to the usual sheltered valleys.

    Sources: NWS Cleveland forecast discussion, NWS Baltimore/Washington forecast discussion forecast.weather.gov

    Thursday: Warmest day of the week

    Thursday should be the warmest day across most of the coverage area. NWS Pittsburgh places the probability of reaching at least 80 degrees between 50% and 80% across most lower elevations south of Interstate 80. Western Maryland may reach the middle 80s, while parts of the West Virginia lowlands could also climb well into the 80s.

    This is unseasonably warm, but it does not currently qualify as a meaningful heat hazard. Dew points are expected to remain near or below the lower 60s, and NWS Pittsburgh places the chance of moderate-or-greater heat impacts at 10% or less.

    A front approaching from the west may bring showers into eastern Ohio late Thursday or Thursday night. Timing remains uncertain, with recent guidance trending slower.

    Watch the front’s progress Thursday evening. There is no reason yet to prepare heat alerts or active storm coverage. NWS Pittsburgh forecast discussion forecast.weather.gov

    Friday: Scattered showers, but limited hazards

    The front should bring scattered showers into more of the region Friday. Rainfall is expected to remain modest: NWS Pittsburgh places the chance of exceeding half an inch during any 24-hour period below 40%.

    Severe-weather potential also appears muted because instability should be weak. A rumble of thunder cannot be ruled out, but current official local guidance does not identify an organized damaging-wind, hail or tornado threat.

    Confidence is moderate that some rain occurs, but low on its exact timing and coverage. Keep coverage flexible and avoid presenting Friday as a washout this far in advance.

    Saturday and Sunday: Forecast confidence drops

    The weekend depends on how quickly the front moves through the Appalachians. Scattered showers may linger, especially over West Virginia and western Maryland, while eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania could begin drying sooner.

    NWS Charleston notes substantial model-to-model and run-to-run differences after Thursday. NWS Baltimore/Washington likewise says temperatures and rain chances hinge on how far south the front advances.

    No official severe-weather or excessive-rainfall signal is identified at this range. Check Saturday morning whether conditions are clearing from northwest to southeast, then reassess Sunday rather than carrying an outdated broad rain message through the entire weekend. forecast.weather.gov


    Operational meteorology and communication updates

    WPC’s Probabilistic Precipitation Portal becomes operational this week

    Status: Operational transition scheduled around October 1

    WPC’s Probabilistic Precipitation Portal is scheduled to transition from experimental to operational status around October 1. The portal displays the probability of exceeding selectable precipitation amounts during the next 72 hours, along with ranges of plausible totals.

    For CAWA, its best use is helping explain uncertainty when deterministic rainfall maps disagree or when narrow heavy-rain corridors are possible. It may be especially useful for deciding whether public messaging should emphasize a likely general rainfall or a lower-probability, higher-impact outcome.

    If CAWA uses its graphics publicly, always include:

    • The rainfall threshold being shown
    • The probability of exceeding that threshold
    • The valid period
    • A reminder that the probability is not a predicted coverage percentage

    Bookmark and begin testing the NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal. wpc.ncep.noaa.gov

    RRFS and REFS implementation is one week away

    Status: Scheduled implementation October 6

    NCEP remains scheduled to implement RRFS and REFS on October 6. Operational production of NAM, NAM Nest, SREF, HREF, HiresW and NAM MOS is expected to end with that transition.

    This is now an immediate data-continuity issue. Any CAWA dashboard, spreadsheet, downloader or forecasting workflow using the retiring datasets should have a tested replacement before next week’s briefing.

    The field names and statistical construction of REFS products are not necessarily identical to similarly named HREF fields. Avoid swapping URLs while assuming the resulting probabilities mean exactly the same thing.

    Source: NWS RRFS and REFS implementation notice

    CAP comment period has closed

    Status: Proposal remains under consideration

    The initial NWS comment period concerning a possible transition from VTEC-centered alert dissemination to Common Alerting Protocol messages closed September 21.

    No final implementation decision or transition schedule is identified at this time. CAWA should continue supporting its current alert workflow while documenting any dependence on raw VTEC strings.

    Do not remove VTEC processing based solely on the proposal. Wait for a formal NWS decision, technical documentation and implementation schedule.

    Source: NWS CAP transition information weather.gov

    No other consequential national change identified

    No additional NWS, SPC, WPC, NCEP, MRMS or AWIPS change with a clear operational impact on CAWA was identified since the previous briefing.

    The primary work items remain the October 1 precipitation-portal transition and the much larger October 6 RRFS/REFS implementation and legacy-model retirement.

  • CAWA Weekly Meteorology Brief — September 20, 2026

    The week at a glance

    Keep the rain gear handy. Several weather systems will cross Central Appalachia through the middle of the week, bringing repeated rain and a few thunderstorms.

    The greatest immediate concern is flooding Monday. Official Flood Watches cover much of southeastern Ohio, northern and central West Virginia, southwestern Pennsylvania and areas near and south of Pittsburgh. Another half-inch to inch and a half of rain is possible in parts of the region, with narrow corridors potentially receiving more.

    Rain becomes lighter and less organized after Monday, but additional showers through Wednesday could keep streams elevated and cause slower river rises. Temperatures will also turn sharply cooler. Many communities from eastern Ohio through western Pennsylvania may remain in the 60s for several days.

    Drier weather should return late Thursday or Friday. The weekend currently looks cool, pleasant and much quieter.


    Full technical briefing

    Seven-day forecast for Central Appalachia

    This outlook covers western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia, western Maryland and nearby portions of Central Appalachia.

    DayExpected patternMain concernWhat CAWA should do
    Monday, Sept. 21Periods of rain with embedded stormsFlash flooding, standing water and isolated strong windPlan for active flood coverage through the morning
    Tuesday, Sept. 22Cool, cloudy and dampAdditional rain; elevated streams and riversContinue checking rainfall totals and water levels
    Wednesday, Sept. 23More widespread showersLonger-duration flooding; poor visibilityKeep flood messaging available even if rain is lighter
    Thursday, Sept. 24Lingering showers, gradually improvingGusty wind east; isolated remaining water issuesConfirm the upper low and coastal system are moving away
    Friday, Sept. 25Drier with partial clearingChilly morning temperaturesRoutine monitoring should be enough
    Saturday, Sept. 26Dry and seasonably coolNo significant hazard expectedRoutine monitoring is enough
    Sunday, Sept. 27Mainly dry with increasing clouds possibleNo organized hazard identifiedWatch for changes in the next approaching system

    Monday: Flooding is the main concern

    Official NWS Flood Watches extend through Monday morning across much of southeastern Ohio, northern and central West Virginia, southwestern Pennsylvania and counties near and south of Pittsburgh.

    A moisture-rich system will produce another round of rain overnight into Monday morning. NWS Pittsburgh expects a general half-inch to inch and a half near and south of the city, but high-resolution guidance shows the possibility of narrow two- to three-inch corridors. The exact placement will depend on where the slow-moving front settles.

    The ground is already wet in many locations. That raises the risk of flash flooding along small streams, in low spots and in poor-drainage areas. NWS Charleston notes that places hit by heavy rain Sunday will be particularly vulnerable.

    A few thunderstorms may produce strong wind, especially across southeastern Ohio and West Virginia. Widespread severe weather is not the primary concern; extensive clouds and limited instability should keep that threat isolated.

    Confidence is high that more rain occurs and moderate on the flash-flood threat. Confidence is lower on exactly where the heaviest stripe sets up.

    Plan for active flood coverage through Monday morning. Track observed rainfall, road closures and stream responses instead of relying on the regional forecast alone.

    Sources: NWS Pittsburgh forecast discussion, NWS Charleston forecast discussion

    Tuesday: Cooler, with lingering rain

    Canadian high pressure pressing south will bring much cooler air into eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Highs there may struggle to leave the lower or middle 60s. West Virginia will remain somewhat warmer, particularly south of the stalled boundary.

    Clouds, scattered showers and low ceilings will continue. Rainfall rates should generally be lower than Monday, reducing the immediate flash-flood threat. Even so, runoff from several days of rain may keep streams elevated.

    Western Maryland could receive steadier rain Monday night into early Tuesday as moist easterly flow strengthens against the terrain.

    Continue checking rainfall totals, river forecasts and any extensions of the Flood Watch. Public messaging should separate ongoing river or stream responses from the lower risk of new, rapid flash flooding.

    Sources: NWS Cleveland forecast discussion, NWS Baltimore/Washington forecast discussion

    Wednesday: Another round of showers

    An upper-level trough will move into the Ohio Valley, bringing another period of widespread showers. Thunder is possible, but cool temperatures and limited instability should keep severe-weather potential low.

    NWS Pittsburgh notes that longer-duration rainfall may produce river rises or overflow flooding through Wednesday, even as the risk of intense short-term rainfall decreases. Areas along and south of the Pennsylvania–West Virginia border deserve particular attention.

    It will feel distinctly autumnal. Lower elevations in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio should remain in the lower or middle 60s, while some higher ridges may struggle to reach 60.

    Keep flood messaging available Wednesday. If water problems develop, emphasize that flooding can continue after the heaviest rain ends.

    Thursday: Slow improvement

    The upper trough may close off before finally moving east. Scattered showers could linger, particularly over West Virginia, the higher terrain and western Maryland.

    A coastal low moving north near the Mid-Atlantic coast may also produce gusty northerly or northeasterly winds in western Maryland. The stronger wind and coastal-flood threat should remain east of CAWA’s primary coverage area, but gusts may become noticeable along exposed ridges.

    Confidence in gradual improvement is moderate; the main uncertainty is how quickly the upper and coastal lows depart.

    Confirm that the systems are pulling away before dropping rain and wind coverage. Otherwise, routine monitoring should become sufficient later in the day.

    Source: NWS Baltimore/Washington forecast discussion

    Friday: Drying out

    High pressure should begin taking control, bringing clearing skies and a welcome break from the rain.

    Morning temperatures may fall into the 40s across inland northeastern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania and the higher terrain. Widespread frost or freezing conditions are not currently expected.

    Routine monitoring should be enough. Check sheltered valleys for lower temperatures if skies clear more quickly than forecast.

    Saturday and Sunday: A quieter fall weekend

    The weekend currently looks dry and seasonably cool. Afternoon temperatures should generally reach the upper 60s or lower 70s, with chilly nights in the 40s and lower 50s.

    Forecast confidence is moderate to high for Saturday and somewhat lower by Sunday. No organized hazardous-weather signal is evident at this range.

    Routine monitoring is enough, with a check Sunday for the timing of the next system beyond the seven-day period.


    Additional operational concerns

    Lake Erie remains hazardous early in the week

    NWS Cleveland has issued Beach Hazards Statements for portions of the Ohio and Pennsylvania Lake Erie shoreline through Wednesday evening. Small Craft Advisories are also in effect.

    Persistent northeast winds may gust around 30 mph in northwestern Ohio, with higher waves and dangerous currents along the lakeshore. These are official NWS hazards and are separate from the inland flood threat.

    If CAWA’s coverage includes Erie County or the northeastern Ohio lakeshore, keep the beach and marine message visible through Wednesday.

    Source: NWS Cleveland forecast discussion and active headlines

    Operational meteorology and communication updates

    No major new national product change was identified this week

    No consequential new NWS, SPC, WPC, NCEP, MRMS or AWIPS change relevant to CAWA operations was identified since the previous briefing. Several previously announced deadlines still require attention.

    CAP transition comments close September 21

    Status: Proposal under review

    The NWS comment period on potentially making Common Alerting Protocol messages its primary alert format closes Monday.

    This remains an early proposal, not an implementation notice. A future transition could affect any CAWA automation that depends on raw VTEC strings to identify warning actions, event numbers, extensions or cancellations.

    If CAWA has concerns about migration time, alert tracking or access to legacy text products, Monday is the last scheduled day to provide initial feedback.

    Source: NWS CAP transition proposal

    Verify the completed NEXRAD Level II migration

    Status: Scheduled change date has passed

    NWS scheduled the old NOMADS directory for NEXRAD Level II data to be discontinued September 15. Identical files are available through TGFTP, and Level III products were not affected.

    Any CAWA tool using Level II data should now be checked for both connectivity and freshness. A successful request is not enough; confirm that file timestamps continue advancing and that all expected radar sites are present.

    Source: NEXRAD Level II migration notice

    WPC precipitation portal approaches operational status

    Status: Operational transition planned around October 1

    WPC’s Probabilistic Precipitation Portal is scheduled to move from experimental to operational status around October 1.

    This week’s repeated-rain setup is a good example of where probabilistic information can add value. A single rainfall-total map may obscure uncertainty in the location of a narrow heavy-rain corridor. Threshold probabilities can better show how likely a location is to receive one, two or three inches.

    When sharing probabilistic rainfall information publicly, always include the accumulation threshold, valid period and geographic context.

    Source: NWS service-change notices

    RRFS/REFS transition is about two weeks away

    Status: Implementation scheduled for October 6

    RRFS and REFS remain scheduled to become operational October 6. NAM, SREF, HREF, HiresW and NAM MOS production is expected to end with the transition.

    CAWA should be beyond the inventory stage by now. Any dashboard, automated download, bookmark or forecast process using the retiring systems should have a tested replacement or a documented plan for temporary loss of that component.

    Source: RRFS and REFS implementation notice

    This briefing is planning guidance, not an official warning or substitute for current forecasts. Follow watches, warnings and advisories issued by the National Weather Service. This post was created with AI assistance.