20020315: Global models

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                                       March 15, 2002




MEMORANDUM FOR:   Distribution E

FROM:             John H. Ward
                 Chief, Production Management Branch

SUBJECT:          Changes to the NWS Production Suite



    A series of changes to the NCEP global model are planned for
this Spring.  On Tuesday, 5 March 2002, at 12Z the forecast
length of the global AVN model was increased to 384 hours for all
four cycles.  These extended forecast data are currently
available on the NCEP ftp server at:

    ftp://ftpprd.ncep.noaa.gov/pub/data/nccf/com/avn/prod/.

    On 27 March 2002 these data will become available on the NWS
ftp server at:

    ftp://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/SL.us008001/ST.opnl/.

    A tentative date of 23 April 2002 has been set to replace
the 00Z MRF model with the 00Z AVN.  Look-alike grids for the MRF
will be created and disseminated from the 00Z AVN.  These look-
alike grids will be available through Fall 2002.  NCEP is
currently making these look alike grids in parallel production.
These data are available on the NCEP ftp server at:

    ftp://ftpprd.ncep.noaa.gov/pub/data/nccf/com/mrf/para/.

    Finally, in early June the resolution of the NCEP global
model will be increased from T170L42 to T254L64.

    The change in resolution of the RUC model from 40 km to 20
km originally scheduled for Tuesday, 9 April at 12Z has been
rescheduled for Tuesday, 16 April at 12Z.  There will be no
change in the forecast grids being disseminated via AWIPS or
Family of Services.  A Real-Time Test and Evaluation of the 20 Km
RUC began on 8 March.  Test data is available on the NCEP ftp
server at:

    ftp://ftpprd.ncep.noaa.gov/pub/data/nccf/com/ruc/para/.

    Advertised changes to the BUFR data stored on the NCEP
supercomputer originally planned for 19 March, have been
postponed to 26 March to allow for further testing.  Please see
the bottom of this memo for more information.

    The next NCEP quarterly backup test has been scheduled for
the 00Z cycle on 4 April 2002 (1900 EST 03 April 2002).  If the
weather situation prohibits this test, it will be attempted on 11
April 2002.

    A list of the major model implementations planned for 2002
can be found at:

    http://www.nco.ncep.noaa.gov/pmb/changes

    As additional information about each implementation becomes
available, links will be added on the change summary page.

    To unsubscribe from the JIF memo use the link provided at:

    http://www.nco.ncep.noaa.gov/pmb/jifmemo/

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    The following unadvertised items were implemented this past
week:

    155.  SCRIPT - IBM Jobs AVN_GEMPAK_00/06/12/18.  (Zhu,
NP11).  Script JAVN_GEMPAK.sms.prod initializes variables which
runs the GEMPAK processing that creates GEMPAK grids for the AVN
forecast.  The script has been modified to extend the length of
forecasts processed to 126 hours for all four cycles.  Done at
12Z on 5 March.

    156.  SCRIPT - IBM Jobs AVN_GEMPAK_GIF_00/06/12/18.  (Zhu,
NP11).  Script JAVN_GEMPAK_GIF.sms.prod initializes variables
which runs the GEMPAK processing that creates GEMPAK GIF files
for the AVN forecast.  The script has been modified to extend the
length of forecasts processed to 126 hours for all four cycles.
Done at 12Z on 5 March.

    157.  SCRIPT - IBM Jobs AVN_GEMPAK_META_00/06/12/18.  (Zhu,
NP11).  Script JAVN_GEMPAK_META.sms.prod initializes variables to
runs the GEMPAK processing that creates GEMPAK META files for the
AVN forecast.  The script has been modified to extend the length
of forecasts processed to 126 hours for all four cycles.  Done at
12Z on 5 March.

    158.  SCRIPT - IBM Job GLOBAL_POST JOBS.  (Zhu, NP11).
Script global_transfer.sh copies global post files to /nwges and
/com and alerts the posted files via DBNET.  This script has been
modified to add four more SMS events to release jobs vanl,
ens_init_12, ene2_fcst_12 and ene2_post_12 in the Arlibm and
Ensibm suites.  Done at 12Z on 5 March.

    159.  SMS - IBM Jobs vanl00/06/12/18.  (Zhu, NP11).  The
task script, man page and def files for these jobs, release the
processing that make the Northern and Southern Hemisphere
Analysis GRIB files for the VAFTAD.  They have been modified to
be released by the completion of the AVN forecast at 126 hours.
Done at 12Z on 5 March.

    160.  SMS - IBM Job ENS_INIT_12.  (Zhu, NP11).  The task
script, man page and def file for this the job releases the
processing that creates the initial conditions for the ENSEMBLES.
They have been modified to be released by the completion of the
AVN forecast at 126 hours.  Done at 12Z on 5 March.

    161.  SMS - IBM Job ENE2_FCST_12.  (Zhu, NP11).  The task
script, man page and def file for this job, releases the
processing that executes the ensemble forecast using the inputs
from the AVN model.  They have been modified to be released by
the completion of the AVN forecast at 126 hours.  Done at 12Z on
5 March.

    162.  SMS - IBM Job ENE2_POST_12.  (Zhu, NP11).  The task
script, man page and def file for this job, releases the
processing that post-processes the ensemble forecast using the
inputs from the AVN model.  They have been modified to be
released by the completion of the AVN forecast at 126 hours.
Done at 12Z on 5 March.

    163.  W3LIB - IBM Job Member IW3UNP29.  (Keyser, NP22).
This routine reads observational data in either BUFR or NMC/NCEP
Office Note 29/124 format and returns it in an unpacked format
described by Office Note 29/124 (except for changing the 32-byte
Office Note 85 header label to a Y2K-compliant 40-byte header
label).  This routine is being modified to account for changes in
input ADPUPA, ADPSFC, AIRCFT and AIRCAR BUFR dump files after 19
March 2002.  Output category 7 (cloud cover data) and category 51
(surface data) now use mnemonic "HBLCS" to get height of lowest
cloud if mnemonic "HOCB" is not available (and it will not be for
all category 7 and some category 51 reports).  Mnemonic "TIWM"
now replaces mnemonic "SUWS" for source and indicator for wind
speed in the header for surface data.  Mnemonic "BORG" replaces
mnemonic "ICLI" for bulletin being monitored in category 8 for
aircraft data.  This routine will still work properly for input
ADPUPA, ADPSFC, AIRCFT and AIRCAR dump files prior to 19 March
2002.  Done at 18Z on 7 March.

    164.  W3LIB - IBM Job Member W3UNPK77.  (Keyser, NP22).
This routine decodes certain observational data types (which are
not part of the NCEP Office Note 29 group) from BUFR files
(either the tanks on /dcom or the time-windowed data dumps) and
returns them in the format described in the DOCBLOCK.  This
routine is being modified to account for changes in input wind
profiler (PROFLR) dump files after 19 March 2002.  Output
category 10 (surface data) are now all missing (mnemonics "PMSL",
"WDIR1", "WSPD1", "TMDB", "REHU" and "REQV" are no longer
available).  Output category 11 (upper-air data) mnemonics
"ACAVH" (horizontal consensus number), "ACAVV" (vertical
consensus number), "SP00" (spectral peak power) and "NPHLl"
(mode) are no longer available.  Header mnemonic "NPSM" (submode)
is no longer available.  Header mnemonic "TPSE" (averaging time
is seconds) replaces mnemonic "TPMI" (averaging time in minutes)
(averaging time in minutes is still output).  The number of
upper-air levels has increased from 43 to as many as 64.  This
routine will still work properly for input PROFLR dump files
prior to 19 March 2002.  Done at 18Z on 7 March.

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    The following items will be implemented at 12Z on Tuesday,19
March:

    165.  BUFR_DUPS1B - Many IBM Jobs.  (Keyser, NP22).  This
new program performs duplicate elimination, time checking and,
optionally, geographical filtering on RTOVS and ATOVS 1B
satellite radiance BUFR database reports.

    166.  BUFR_DUMPMD - Many IBM Jobs.  (Keyser, NP22).  This
program dumps data from the BUFR database file(s) specified by
the user supplied time window.  This program is being modified to
call the new in-line routine compress_check, to determine if the
input and output files are BUFR compressed.  In addition, the
documentation has been improved.

    167.  BUFR_DUPSAT - Many IBM Jobs.  (Keyser, NP22).  This
program performs duplicate elimination and time checking on most
types of satellite BUFR database reports.  It also generates the
report ID for satellite wind and GOES sounding/radiance/retrieval
reports.  This program is being modified to make the time window
check more precise by including the report time second in the
test (reports with missing second get second set to zero).  In
addition, it now calls the new in-line routine compress_check to
determine if the input and output files are BUFR compressed.
Finally, both the documentation and the standard output print
have been improved.

    168.  BUFR_GEOFIL - Many IBM Jobs.  (Keyser, NP22).  This
program performs geographic filtering of observational BUFR data
dumps (if requested) and runs as part of the BUFR data dump
script dumpjb.  This program is being modified to call the new
in-line routine compress_check to determine if the input and
output files are BUFR compressed.  If the input file is
compressed, the program stops normally without performing any
geographical filtering.  It is also being modified to correct the
logic associated with the lat/lon circle filter option (although
this option is still not available since it must be tested).
Finally, both the documentation and the standard output print
have been improved.

    169.  BUFR_DUPAIR - Many IBM Jobs.  (Keyser, NP22).  This
program performs a cross BUFR subtype duplicate checking between
AIREP, PIREP and AMDAR reports.  This program is being modified
to account for changes in the input AIREP, PIREP and AMDAR
aircraft dump files after 19 March 2002.  Mnemonic "BORG"
replaces mnemonic "ICLI" for "bulletin being monitored" in these
dumps.  This program will still work properly for input AIREP,
PIREP and AMDAR dump files prior to 19 March 2002.  In addition,
it now calls the new in-line routine compress_check to determine
if the input and output files are BUFR compressed.  Finally, both
the documentation and the standard output print have been
improved.

    170.  BUFR_DUPMAR - Many IBM Jobs.  (Keyser, NP22).  This
program processes non-profile database report parts with
corrections, duplicate checking, and merged data.  This program
is being modified to account for changes in the input surface
marine and METAR dump files after 19 March 2002.  Sequence "BID"
(bulletin header data) is now replicated for all unique parts
that are merged to generate a complete report (in reverse order
of receipt time) (prior to this change in the dumps, no
replication of "BID" was performed - only the bulletin header
from the latest report part in the merge was stored).  Mnemonic
"BORG" replaces mnemonic "ICLI" for "bulletin being monitored" in
the now replicated "BID" sequence in these dumps.  This program
will still work properly for input surface marine and METAR dump
files prior to 19 March 2002.  In addition, the program is being
modified to allow the replicated raw report string "RAWRPT" to
include the raw report from all unique parts that are merged to
generate a complete report (in reverse order of receipt time)
(prior to this, only the raw report from the latest report part
in the merge was stored in replicated sequence "RAWRPT").  Also,
the replicated receipt time sequence ("RCPTIM") now contains the
receipt times of only those unique parts that are actually merged
to generate a report (in 1:1 correspondence with the "BID"
sequence replication, in reverse order of receipt time) (prior to
this, "RCPTIM" contained the receipt time of all parts, including
exact duplicates).  Also, the program now calls the new in-line
routine compress_check to determine if the input and output files
are BUFR compressed.  Finally, both the documentation and the
standard output print have been improved.

    171.  BUFR_DUPMRG - Many IBM Jobs.  (Keyser, NP22).  This
program performs report merging, error correction, and duplicate
elimination of most upper-air profile BUFR reports that arrive in
"parts".  This program is being modified to account for changes
in the input upper-air profile rawinsonde, PIBAL, dropwinsonde
and wind profiler from PILOT reports dump files after 19 March
2002.  Mnemonic "BORG" replaces mnemonic "ICLI" for "bulletin
being monitored" in replicated "BID" sequence and mnemonic
"HBLCS" replaces "HOCB" for "height of lowest cloud seen" in
replicated "UACLD" sequence in these dumps.  This program will
still work properly for these input profile dump files prior to
19 March 2002.  Also, the program now calls the new in-line
routine compress_check to determine if the input and output files
are BUFR compressed.  Finally, both the documentation and the
standard output print have been improved.

    172.  SCRIPT - Many IBM Jobs.  (Keyser, NP22).  The ush
script dumpjb performs the time windowed dumping of observational
data from the /dcom BUFR database on the IBM SP.  The script is
being modified to add the call to the new operational duplicate
checking program BUFR_DUPS1B for BUFR 1B satellite dumps in BUFR
type 021, subtypes 21-25 (for HIRS-2, MSU, AMSU-A, AMSU-B and
HIRS-3, respectively).  It is also being modified to add the call
to the future duplicate checking program BUFR_DUPRAD for
superobed NEXRAD radial wind dumps in BUFR type 006, subtype 001
(these are not yet available).  In addition, the script will no
longer attempt to execute the geographical filtering program
BUFR_GEOFIL if the user program wishes to dump the entire globe,
and it will no longer attempt to execute the aircraft cross
subtype duplicate checking program BUFR_DUPAIR if the input dump
file(s) is/are not one of the following types: AIREP, PIREP,
AMDAR.  It also now passes the geographical filtering parameters
into the duplicate checking program via Fortran unit 11
(currently, the satellite 1B duplicate checking program,
BUFR_DUPS1B, is the only one which reads this, since geographical
filtering must be performed here rather than in BUFR_GEOFIL which
cannot process these BUFR compressed data dumps.)  In addition,
the script is being modified to work properly in CRON job runs
where the global variable $TMPDIR is not set - the script sets it
to /nfstmp in this case.  Finally, several new imported variables
have been added to override operational program executables for
duplicate checking, SDM and quips quality mark processing, and
file merging and checking.

    173.  DATACARDS - Many IBM Jobs.  (Keyser, NP22).  The fixed
field file bufr_dumplist contains the current table listing of
valid data group mnemonic names for the various BUFR data types
and subtypes in the observational /dcom database on the IBM SP.
This table is currently read by the script dumpjb, and by the
programs BUFR_AVGDATA and BUFR_DATACOUNT.  The bufr_dumplist file
is being modified to add the following new single subtype dump
mnemonics: "prflrs" for FSL surface profiler data in BUFR type
000, subtype 008 (not yet ready); "prflrm" for FSL moment wind
profiler data in BUFR type 002, subtype 010 (implemented on 19
March 2002); "prflrb" for boundary layer wind profiler data in
BUFR type 002, subtype 011 (not yet ready); "eadas" for European
AMDAR data from UKMO in BUFR type 004, subtype 006 (implemented
on 19 March 2002); "acarsa" for automated MDCRS ARINC ACARS
aircraft data retransmitted from AFWA (backup) in BUFR type 004,
subtype 007 (implemented on 19 March 2002); "radwnd" for NEXRAD
radial wind superobs in BUFR type 006, subtype 001 (not yet
ready); "ntopal" for NAVOCEANO TOPEX altimeter data in BUFR type
031, subtype 100 (not yet ready); "msoiow" for Iowa Dept. of
Transportation mesonet surface data in BUFR type 000, subtype 026
(implemented on 19 March 2002); "msomin" for Minnesota Dept. of
Transportation mesonet surface data in BUFR type 000, subtype 027
(implemented on 19 March 2002); and "msoawx" for "Anything
Weather" mesonet surface data in BUFR type 000, subtype 028
(implemented on 19 March 2002).  In addition the following new
group suptype mnemonics are being added: "radar" and "006" for
all radar data subtypes in BUFR type 006 (not yet ready), and
"msonet" for all mesonet surface data BUFR subtypes 020-028, 040
in BUFR type 000 (implemented on 19 March 2002).  Also, existing
single subtype mnemonic "msothr" (miscellaneous mesonet surface
data) in BUFR type 000 is changing from BUFR subtype 030 to 040
(implemented on 19 March 2002).  Finally, the following single
subtype mnemonics are being removed because they refer to data
types which have never been, nor ever will be, in the database:
"mstbog" and "mstbg" for satellite moisture bogus in BUFR type
003, subtype 202; "synsy" for sun synchronous satellite soundings
in BUFR type 003, subtype 201; "avnma" for manual Aviation
surface data in BUFR type 000, subtype 002; "amosx" for AMOS
Aviation surface data in BUFR type 000, subtype 003; "ramos" for
RAMOS Aviation surface data in BUFR type 000, subtype 004;
"autob" for AUTOB Aviation surface data in BUFR type 000, subtype
005; "asos" for ASOS Aviation surface data in BUFR type 000,
subtype 006; "awosx" for AWOS Aviation surface data in BUFR type
000, subtype 008; "coavn" for converted aviation synoptic surface
data in BUFR type 000, subtype 009; and "autox" for AUTO(0-9)
Aviation surface data in BUFR type 000, subtype 010.  Types
"amosx", "ramos", "autob", "asos", "awosx" are most likely
included in "metar" (METAR format Aviation surface data) in BUFR
type 000, subtype 007.

    174.  PREPOBS_PREPDATA - IBM Jobs 220, 281, 530, 820, 850,
RUC2A_PREP, RUC2B_PREP, CDAS_PREP1, AFPLT, GDAS_RECOVER_PREP.
(Keyser, NP22).  This program prepares observational data for
subsequent quality control programs and for subsequent analysis
in all forecast model networks, using data card switches to
control processing based on the forecast model network.  These
data are then encoded into the PREPBUFR file.  This program is
being modified to account for changes in many of the input BUFR
dump files after 19 March 2002.  The interface to the ADPUPA,
ADPSFC, AIRCFT and AIRCAR BUFR dump files (subroutine IW3UNPBF)
is changed: 1) to recognize that category 7 (cloud cover data)
and category 51 (surface data) now use mnemonic "HBLCS" to get
"height of lowest cloud" if mnemonic "HOCB" is not available (and
it will not be for all category 7 and some category 51 reports);
2) to recognize that the surface data now use mnemonic "TIWM" to
obtain the indicator for source and units for wind speed rather
than mnemonic "SUWS"; and 3) to recognize that category 8
aircraft data now use mnemonic "BORG" to get the "bulletin being
monitored" rather than mnemonic "ICLI".  In addition, the
interface to the PROFLR (wind profiler) BUFR dump file
(subroutine W3UNPKB7) is changed: 1) to recognize that all
category 10 (surface data) are now missing (mnemonics "PMSL",
"WDIR1", "WSPD1", "TMDB", "REHU" and "REQV" are no longer
available); 2) to recognize that category 11 (upper-air)
mnemonics "ACAVH" (horizontal consensus number), "ACAVV"
(vertical consensus number), "SP00" (spectral peak power) and
"NPHLl" (mode) are no longer available; 3) to recognize that
header mnemonic "NPSM" (submode) is no longer available; 4) to
recognize that header mnemonic "TPSE" (averaging time in seconds)
replaces mnemonic "TPMI" (averaging time in minutes) (although
averaging time in minutes is still output by the interface
routine); and 5) to recognize that the number of upper-air levels
has increased from 43 to as many as 64.  Finally, the interface
to the ATOVS (soundings) BUFR dump file (subroutine W3ATOVSUNP)
is changed to recognize that mnemonic "SAZA" is now used to
obtain satellite zenith angle rather than mnemonic "SZNT".  This
program will still work properly for input ADPUPA, ADPSFC,
AIRCFT, AIRCAR, PROFLR and ATOVS dump files prior to 19 March
2002.

    175.  BUFR_LISTDUMPS - IBM Jobs ETA_DUMP_POST,
EDS_DUMP_POST, AVN_DUMP_POST, FNL_DUMP_POST, CDS_DUMP_POST,
RUC2A_DUMP_POST, RUC2B_DUMP_POST, SRUC_DUMP_POST.  (Keyser,
NP22).  This program lists the contents of time windowed
observational BUFR data dump files in an easy to read format.  It
currently works for all operational BUFR data dump types except
for "atovs".  This program is being modified to account for
changes in many of the input BUFR dump files after 19 March 2002.
The interface to the ADPUPA, ADPSFC, AIRCFT and AIRCAR BUFR dump
files (subroutine IW3UNPBF) is changed: 1) to recognize that
category 7 (cloud cover data) and category 51 (surface data) now
use mnemonic "HBLCS" to get "height of lowest cloud" if mnemonic
"HOCB" is not available (and it will not be for all category 7
and some category 51 reports); 2) to recognize that the surface
data now use mnemonic "TIWM" to obtain the indicator for source
and units for wind speed rather than mnemonic "SUWS"; and 3) to
recognize that category 8 aircraft data now use mnemonic "BORG"
to get the "bulletin being monitored" rather than mnemonic
"ICLI".  In addition, the interface to the PROFLR (wind profiler)
BUFR dump file (subroutine W3UNPKB7) is changed: 1) to recognize
that all category 10 (surface data) are now missing (mnemonics
"PMSL", "WDIR1", "WSPD1", "TMDB", "REHU" and "REQV" are no longer
available); 2) to recognize that category 11 (upper-air)
mnemonics "ACAVH" (horizontal consensus number), "ACAVV"
(vertical consensus number), "SP00" (spectral peak power) and
"NPHLl" (mode) are no longer available; 3) to recognize that
header mnemonic "NPSM" (submode) is no longer available; 4) to
recognize that header mnemonic "TPSE" (averaging time in seconds)
replaces mnemonic "TPMI" (averaging time in minutes) (although
averaging time in minutes is still output by the interface
routine); and 5) to recognize that the number of upper-air levels
has increased from 43 to as many as 64.  This program will still
work properly for input ADPUPA, ADPSFC, AIRCFT, AIRCAR and PROFLR
dump files prior to 19 March 2002.

    176.  DATACARDS - IBM Jobs ETA_DUMP, EDS_DUMP, AVN_DUMP,
FNL_DUMP, RUC2A_DUMP, RUC2B_DUMP, CDS_DUMP.  (Keyser, NP22).  The
fixed field prepobs_prepssmi.bufrtable is the BUFR mnemonic table
used by program PREPOBS_PREPSSMI to define the contents of the
output reprocessed BUFR dump file "spssmi" which is later read by
the program PREPOBS_PREPDATA.  This file is being modified to
change the descriptor for mnemonic "TMSK" (skin temperature) from
0-12-230 to the WMO value of 0-12-161.  In addition, it changes
the descriptor for mnemonic "TMBR" (brightness temperature) from
0-12-231 with bit width 19 to the WMO value of 0-12-163 with bit
width 16.

    177.  DATACARDS - IBM Job ISMI.  (Keyser, NP22).  The data
card bufrtab.012 is the BUFR mnemonic table used by the program
BUFR_TRANSSMI to ingest SSM/I data into the /dcom BUFR data base
on the IBM SP.  This file is being modified to change the
descriptor for mnemonic "TMSK" (skin temperature) from 0-12-230
to the WMO value of 0-12-161.  In addition, it changes the
descriptor for mnemonic "TMBR" (brightness temperature) from
0-12-231 with bit width 19 to the WMO value of 0-12-163 with bit
width 16.  It also changes the bit width for mnemonic "TMBR85"
(brightness temperature from 85 GHz SSM/I channels, 0-12-233)
from 19 to 16.  Finally, it changes the local descriptor for
mnemonic "MSEC" (millisecond) from 0-04-195 to 0-04-208 because
0-04-195 is used to define a different parameter in other BUFR
tables.

    178.  DATACARDS - IBM Jobs ISND, ITOV.  (Keyser, NP22).  The
data card bufrtab.003 is the BUFR mnemonic table used by the
program BUFR_TRANSSND to ingest GOES sounding and radiance data
into the /dcom BUFR data base on the IBM SP.  It is also used by
the program TRANJB to ingest ATOVS sounding data into the /dcom
BUFR data base.  This file is being modified to change the
descriptor for mnemonic "SSTA" (15-day SST availability) from
0-25-031 to the local value of 0-25-193 because this parameter is
not in the WMO BUFR Table B.  In addition, it changes the
descriptor for mnemonic "TMSK" (skin temperature) from 0-12-230
to the WMO value of 0-12-161, the descriptor for mnemonic "TMDB"
(dry bulb temperature) from 0-12-225 to the WMO value of
0-12-101, and the descriptor for mnemonic "TMDP" (dewpoint
temperature) from 0-12-227 to the WMO value of 0-12-103.  Also,
it changes the descriptor for mnemonic "TMBR" (brightness
temperature) from 0-12-231 with bit width 19 to the WMO value of
0-12-163 with bit width 16.  Finally, it changes the mnemonic for
satellite zenith angle (descriptor 0-07-024) from "SZNT" to
"SAZA" ("SAZA" is used for this in all other BUFR tables).

    179. SCRIPT - IBM Job jenswafs.  (Ma, NP11).  These new
scripts JENSWAFS.sms.prod and exenswafs.sh.sms set up the run
time environment and control the production of WAFS Grids from
the Global Ens Model.

    180.  SCRIPT - IBM Job JENSWAFS.  (Vuong, NP11).  This new
script creates output on WAFS grids from the global ensemble
data.

    181.  MKWMOENS - IBM Job JENSWAFS.  (Vuong, NP11).  This new
program reads grid records with Ensemble extensions, selects
records by control cards, and adds a WMO header. It then writes a
new file in 1280 byte block.

    182.  SCRIPT - IBM Job expltwafs.sh.  (Sager, NP12).  The
script expltwafs.sh creates WAFS wind/temp charts from AVN model
output.  Graphics are created on 10 different backgrounds for
forecast periods 6-36 hours at levels 850mb, 700, 500, 400, 300,
250, 200, 150, and 70mb.  This change adds a call to a new script
to convert the wafs graphics to g3 format.

    183.  SCRIPT - IBM Job exwafsg3.sh.  (Sager, NP12).  New
script, exwafsg3.sh converts the WAFS graphics to g3 format.

    184.  TOCHEDER - IBM Job exwafsg3.sh.  (Sager, NP12).  New
program tocheder prepares the header and trailer labels needed by
TOC for files transmitted by DBNET.

    185.  FIXED FIELDS - IBM Jobs 721, 722, 723 00z and 12z.
(Tolman, NP21).  This file provides the list of output locations
for the Global Wave Model.  The list is being modified to add an
output point for the new NDBC buoy 46066.

    186.  FIXED FIELDS - IBM Jobs 726, 727, 728 00z and 12z.
(Tolman, NP21).  This file provides the list of output locations
for the regional Alaskan Waters Wave Model.  The list is being
modified to add an output point for the new NDBC buoy 46066.

    187.  FIXED FIELDS - IBM Jobs 731, 732, 733.  (Tolman,
NP21).  This file provides the list of output locations for the
Regional Western North Atlantic Wave Model.  The list is being
modified to add Buoy 44005 which was relocated by NDBC.

    188.  FIXED FIELDS - IBM Jobs jwavenah_fcst, jwavenah_post,
jwavenah_pgen.  (Tolman, NP21).  This file provides the list of
output locations for the Northern Atlantic Hurricane Wave Model.
The list is being modified to add Buoy 44005 which was relocated
by NDBC.

    189.  DATACARDS - IBM Job MRFMOS_00.  (Erickson, OST22).
These input cards are used in the MRFMOS script to create the MRF
MOS (MEX) forecasts.  Changes are being made to implement updated
warm season temperature equations, modified warm season PoP and
QPF equations, and to update our graphics and archive processing.

    190.  SCRIPT - IBM Jobs ETA_GEMPAK_00/06/12/18.  (Gordon,
NP11).  This program converts Eta GRIB data into NAWIPS grids.
The script is being modified to copy a special version of NAWIPS
table wmogrib2.tbl into the current processing directory.  This
table is read by the NAWIPS program NAGRIB to decode GRIB
messages.  The table is being modified so that total cloud cover
(WMO parameter ID=71) will now be decoded by NAGRIB for the Eta
model.

    191.  SCRIPT - IBM Jobs Run_history1, Run_history2,
Run_history3.  (Gilbert, NP11).  This script saves production
data from many directories in NCEP's Run History archive.  A
change is being made to call a new script that will save AVN data
into separate smaller tar files instead of one large tar file.
This is being done to make data retrieval from the archive more
efficient.

    192.  SCRIPT - IBM Job Run_history3.  (Gilbert, NP11).  This
new script, rhist_saveavn.sh, breaks up the AVN Run History
archive data into six separate tar files per forecast cycle.
The six files will be named: com_avn_prod_avn.YYYYMMDDHH.anl.tar,
com_avn_prod_avn.YYYYMMDDHH.sigma.tar,
com_avn_prod_avn.YYYYMMDDHH.surface.tar,
com_avn_prod_avn.YYYYMMDDHH.sfluxgrb.tar,
com_avn_prod_avn.YYYYMMDDHH.pgrb.tar, and
com_avn_prod_avn.YYYYMMDDHH.products.tar.


    * * * * * * * * * * N O T E S * * * * * * * * * * * *

    BUFR DATA CHANGES

    A recent effort was undertaken within NCO and EMC to
coordinate and correct several pending issues relating to the
BUFR data that is tanked in /dcom/us007003 on the IBM SP.  Some
examples are: (1) two different mnemonics were being used for the
same BUFR descriptor; (2) the same BUFR mnemonic was being used
for more than one unique data parameter; (3) WMO sanctioned
descriptors were being used incorrectly, etc.  We have now
corrected these items within the decoder ingest processing on our
development (non-operational) ingest system and are preparing to
implement the corresponding changes into the production
(operational) ingest system.

    The purpose of this notice is to detail exactly what is
being changed so that users can implement any corresponding
modifications to their codes before these changes are
implemented.  To aid you in your testing of any such
modifications, we have arranged for a parallel data feed to be
decoded using the new changes.  These data will be tanked in
/dcomdeva/us007003 (asp) and /dcomdevb/us007003 (bsp).  To dump
any such data for testing with your codes:  export the variable
TANK to point to either of the two above directories; then run
the dump script, /nwprod/ush/dumpjb, with the usual arguments.
In most cases the only changes that you should need to make would
be where a mnemonic is being changed.  In this instance our
suggestion would be for you to modify your codes to look for both
the old and the new mnemonics, responding appropriately to
whichever one actually returns a value.  This will allow for you
to modify your processing before the changes are actually
implemented into the data ingest stream.

     Dennis Keyser of EMC will be creating some sample model
ingest data dump files (e.g. "adpupa", "adpsfc", "sfcshp", etc.)
which reflect all of the below listed changes.  He will make
these available on the IBM SP as well as on the public ftp server
for those who need to access them there.  For those who would
prefer to do their own dumps on the IBM SP, a special test
version of dumpjb will be made available.  This version will
automatically dump the data of your choosing from the test tanks
without having to set and export special values for variables
such as TANK.

    We have currently scheduled Tuesday, 26 March at 15z for the
implementation of these changes into the operational (production)
ingest stream.  The exact date and time is subject to change if a
critical weather day or other similar situation develops.

    Here is the list of changes:

    mnemonic DOCW is being replaced by mnemonic DROC in order to
report the direction of sea current.  This only affects the
dcbthy decoder (BUFR type b031, subtypes xx001, xx002, xx003)
    mnemonic SUWS is being replaced by mnemonic TIWM (WMO
sanctioned descriptor 0-02-002).  This affects the following
decoders:  dcbthy (BUFR type b031, subtypes xx001, xx002, xx003),
dclsfc (type b000, subtype xx001), dcmsfc (type b001, subtypes
xx001, xx003, xx004), dcdrbu (type b001, subtype xx003), dcsaob
(type b005, subtypes xx021, xx022, xx023, xx041, xx042, xx043),
and dcusnd (type b002, subtypes xx001, xx002, xx003, xx004,
xx005, xx009)
    mnemonic ICLI is being replaced by mnemonic BORG in order to
store the bulletin originator.  This affects all data
types/subtypes which are received in the form of WMO bulletins
from NWSTG
    mnemonic HOCB is being replaced by mnemonic HBLCS (WMO Code
Table 1600) in all cases where such a value (alphanumeric code
figure "h") is actually being reported in the corresponding
alphanumeric report.  This affects the following decoders:
dclsfc (type b000, subtype xx001), dcmsfc (type b001, subtypes
xx001, xx003, xx004), and dcusnd (type b002, subtypes xx001,
xx002, xx003, xx004, xx005, xx009)
    mnemonics GENCTR and GCLONG are both being replaced by
mnemonic OGCE.  This affects the following decoders:  dcsaob
(type b005, subtypes xx021, xx022, xx023, xx041, xx042, xx043)
and dcelrw (type b005, subtypes xx061, xx062, xx063)
    mnemonic CMCM is being replaced by mnemonic SWCM.  This
affects decoder dcsaob (type b005, subtypes xx021, xx022, xx023,
xx041, xx042, xx043),
    the reporting of "trace" precipitation and snow cover
amounts has been corrected within mnemonics TOPC, TP01, TP03,
TP06, TP12, TP24, CTP24, DOFS and TOSD in order to correspond to
WMO sanctioned practices.  A "trace" amount of precipitation will
now be reported as -0.1 (instead of -1), a "trace" amount of snow
will now be reported as -0.01 (instead of -1), and "snow cover
not continuous" will now be reported as -0.02 (instead of -2).
This affects the following decoders:  dclsfc (type b000, subtype
xx001), dcmsfc (type b001, subtypes xx001, xx003, xx004), dcmetr
(type b000, subtype xx007), and dcscd (type b000, subtype xx012)
    the decoder dcpflr (type b002, subtypes xx007, xx011) is
being modified to handle a new wind profiler data format from
FSL.  The advantage of this change is that it should result in
better overall timeliness in the receipt of profiler data from
FSL, because each report will be sent as soon as it is available
(one report per bulletin), rather than having to wait until
certain other profiler sites have also reported before receiving
any data.  The disadvantage is that many mnemonics such as WSPD1,
TMDB, REQV, REHU, ACAVH, SPP0, etc., will no longer be available
within these data types.  Instead, such data, if it exists, will
be available within the new moment profiler data type b002,
subtype xx010 (see below).

    In addition, the following new data types will be added to
the operational (production) database at the same time, although
these should not directly affect any user codes:

    new decoder dcmeso for Mesonet data (type b000, subtypes
xx020, xx021, xx022, xx023, xx024, xx025, xx026, xx027, xx040)
    new decoder dcgpsw for GPS Integrated Precipitable Water
data from FSL (type b012, subtype xx003)
    new decoder dcmopf for moment profiler data from FSL (type
b002, subtype xx010)
    existing decoder dcacar is being modified to handle E-ADAS
(European AMDAR Data Acquisition System) data from UKMO.  Such
data is supplementary to the existing AMDAR data feed (data type
b004, subtype xx003) and, when available, will be decoded and
stored as new data type b004, subtype xx006.

    Again, all of the above changes are currently scheduled to
occur on Tuesday, 26 March at 15Z.  If there are any questions or
concerns please do not hesitate to contact Jeff Ator or Chris
Caruso Magee.





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