WTVM-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Columbus, GAModels

Models

Computer models are simulations of the atmosphere that utilize the most powerful supercomputers in the world.  Also called Numerical Weather Prediction, or NWP, these supercomputers solve equations dealing with fluid dynamics and thermodynamics to predict the conditions of the atmosphere at different altitudes over a period of time.  Some computer models are global in their scale, while some are regional, or "limited area" models. 

Global Scale Models:

GFS - Global Forecast System, developed by NOAA

NOGAPS - Developed by the US Navy

ECMWF - Model run by the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts

UKMET - Developed by the United Kingdom's national weather service

JMA - Developed by the Japanese Meteorological Agency

Limited Area Models:

NAM - North American Mesoscale Model, run by the National Center for Environmental Prediction

WRF - Weather Research and Forecasting model

GEMS - Developed by the Meteorological Service of Canada for Canada and North America

Helpful Links:

Understanding Computer Models:

Interpreting and understanding computer models, courtesy Jeff Haby

History of model performance

Model Links:

NCEP Model Page

Unisys Model Page

Canadian Model

NEXLAB Models

Earl Barker's Model Page