This is what I use to look for severe weather
- Windy – a simpler way to view the models and still use many of the models I am using below.
NOTE: All of these models are set up to be centered on the midwest. There are other regions available. You will just have to select the region on the website.
GFS
Global Forecast System (GFS) couples four separate models (atmosphere, ocean model, land/soil model, and sea ice) that work together to accurately depict weather conditions and has the longest look into the future. It can be useful to see the possible weather conditions several days into the future. However, remember that the further into the future you go, the less accurate it is.
- TT: 6-hour Averaged Precip Rate, MSLP, & 1000-500mb Thickness
- PW: Total Accumulated QPF – Total moisture expected to fall. Doesn’t matter what form it takes.
- PW: Wind Chill/Heat Index – A look into the future to look for the cold.
NAM
North American Mesoscale Forecast System (NAM) is a regional model for North America: Unites States, Canada, and Mexico, produced by the American weather service called the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). It provides a better view of North America to provide a more accurate view.
- TT: Near-Surface Reflectivity (dDZ), MSLP (mb; 0.5-degree smoothed)
- PW: Total Accumulated QPF – Total moisture expected to fall. Doesn’t matter what form it takes.
- PW: Wind Chill/Heat Index – A look into the future to look for the cold.
NAM 3km
A more realistic view of the NAM models.
- TT: Instantaneous Precip Rate (mm/hr), MSLP (hPa), & 1000-500mb Thickness (dam)
- TT: Near-Surface Reflectivity (dBZ) & 10m Wind (kt)
- PW: Total Accumulated QPF – Possible freezing rain that will fall.
- PW: Wind Chill/Heat Index – A look into the future to look for the cold.
HRRR
High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) The HRRR is a NOAA real-time 3-km resolution, hourly updated, cloud-resolving, convection-allowing atmospheric model. Radar data is assimilated in the HRRR every 15 min over a 1-h period adding further detail to that provided by the hourly data assimilation from the 13km radar-enhanced Rapid Refresh. This leads to a more accurate look at the forecast models.
- TT: 1km AGL Reflectivity (dBZ) and MSPL
- PW: Total Accumulated QPF – Possible freezing rain that will fall.
- PW: Wind Chill/Heat Index – A look into the future to look for the cold.
GDPS (Canadian)
Global Deterministic Prediction System (GDPS) is also called the “Canadian Model”.
- PW: Total Accumulated QPF – Possible freezing rain that will fall.
- PW: Wind Chill/Heat Index – A look into the future to look for the cold.