WAFSOPSG/5-WP/14
International Civil Aviation Organization
23/6/09
WORKING PAPER
WORLD AREA FORECAST SYSTEM OPERATIONS GROUP (WAFSOPSG)
FIFTH MEETING
Paris, France, 16 to 18 September 2009
Agenda Item 6: Development of the WAFS
6.1: Improved GRIB 2 forecasts for convective clouds, icing and turbulence
UPDATE ON THE IMPROVED GRIB 2 FORECASTS FOR CONVECTIVE CLOUDS, ICING
AND TURBULENCE
(Presented by the WAFC Provider States)
SUMMARY
This working paper provides an update on the improved GRIB 2 WAFS
forecasts for icing, turbulence and CB clouds. The working paper should be
read in conjunction with a Progress Report to WP/14 prepared by the WAFC
Provider States and available on the WAFSOPSG website.
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
The WAFSOPSG/4 Meeting formulated three conclusion (4/14, 4/16 and 4/17) and one
decision (4/15) related to the development and introduction of gridded forecasts of icing, turbulence and
cumulonimbus clouds.
2.
DISCUSSION
2.1
The group will be pleased to note that the WAFC Provider States have prepared a
progress report outlining the steps taken to develop these new gridded forecasts further. The progress
report (to accompany this working paper) is available on the WAFSOPSG website at:
http://www2.icao.int/en/anb/metaim/met/wafsopsg/WAFSOPSG%20Meeting%20Metadata/Forms/WAFSOPSG5%20WPs.aspx
2.2
The progress report includes details of the development and visualisation of the new
gridded forecasts, summarises verification that has been undertaken and outlines WAFC coordination
activities undertaken in view of ensuring that the two WAFCs are aligned. In addition, the progress
report includes a guidance document on the intended use of the gridded WAFS forecasts for icing,
(3 pages)
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turbulence and CB clouds in flight documentation, and recommends a web-based training package
targeted at fostering the future implementation of the gridded forecasts amongst WAFS users.
2.3
The WAFC Provider States are intending to generate an information paper for the
WAFSOPSG/5 Meeting summarising the key points to arise a WAFC Science Coordination Meeting held
in Washington DC in April 2009, and attended by ICAO, WMO and IATA, amongst other. It is hoped
that the IP will allow the group to appreciate further the discussions that have taken place during the
development of the gridded forecasts for icing, turbulence and CB clouds.
3.
CONCLUSIONS
3.1
In view of the detail contained within the progress report accompanying this working
paper, and the information paper to be presented to the WAFSOPSG/5 Meeting by the WAFC Provider
States, the group is invited to conclude that:
a) the ongoing development and verification of gridded (GRIB 2) forecasts for icing,
turbulence and CB clouds is progressing as required – including the generation of
“high at-a-glance” significant weather (HG-SIGWX) charts;
b) the guidance document presented by the WAFCs is sufficient, at this time, to foster
the future implementation of these gridded products amongst WAFS users; and
c) the training proposal presented by the WAFCs is sufficient to meet the needs of
States and WAFS users.
3.2
conclusion:
Accordingly, the group is invited to formulate the following draft decisions and
Decision 5/.. – Development of gridded WAFS forecasts for
icing, turbulence and CB clouds
That, the ongoing development, visualisation and verification of
WAFS forecasts for icing, turbulence and CB clouds in the GRIB
2 code form is progressing in accordance with expectations
Decision 5/.. – Guidance on the intended use of gridded
WAFS forecasts for icing, turbulence and CB
clouds in flight documentation
That, the guidance document proposals
Appendix1… to this report be endorsed.
contained
Note: The Secretary is invited to make this guidance document
available on the WAFSOPSG website by 31 December 2009.
1
Guidance available at the WAFSOPSG website as part of the progress report related to WP/14.
in
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WAFSOPSG/5-WP/14
Conclusion 5/.. – Training for States and WAFS users on the
intended use of the new gridded WAFS
forecasts for icing, turbulence and CB
clouds
That, in order to foster the future implementation of the gridded
WAFS forecasts for icing, turbulence and CB clouds for use in
flight planning, the WAFC Provider States, in coordination with
ICAO and WMO, proceed with designing a web-based training
package.
Note 1.— The web-based training package
will be based around a free and open-source e-learning software
platform and available to all States and WAFS users; and
Note 2.— The training material is expected
to be available on the public Internet in time for WAFSOPSG/6.
4.
4.1
ACTION BY THE WAFSOPSG
The WAFSOPSG is invited to:
a) note the information contained in this working paper and the accompanying progress
report (available via the WAFSOPSG website); and
b) decide on the draft decisions and conclusion for the groups consideration.
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