One of the primary functions of the HMT-WPC is to facilitate science infusion from the research community to WPC forecasters (Research to Operations = R2O). The WPC has over 30 forecasters on staff who work a variety of forecast desks from QPF to medium range to model diagnostics. Our forecast domain covers the entire continental United States (CONUS) as well as Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

WPC forecasters often participate in operational research with the HMT-WPC and work shifts paralleling the real time operational desks with the goal of testing new scientific methods and forecast tools. This process enhances science infusion into the WPC forecast process.

The HMT-WPC invites researchers from both government labs and academia to spend time working with WPC forecasters and the HMT team for a period of time. This invitation is an opportunity for researchers to bring their science to WPC and test it operationally. It is also an opportunity for teaching researchers to gather prediction materials to present to their students. Please note that the HMT-WPC is willing to serve as a co-investigator with researchers interested in working with us.

HMT-WPC Science Priorities

• Improve understanding and forecast methodologies for extreme rainfall events, including the application of high-resolution modeling and ensemble approaches
• Improve both warm and cold season quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF)
• Develop operational feature-based verification techniques applied to model and human forecasts
• Develop better techniques to incorporate uncertainty derived from short and medium range ensembles forecasts into the forecast process and convey this uncertainty to users of WPC products
• Develop improved techniques for the prediction of freezing and frozen precipitation events (timing, areal coverage, intensity, and amount)
• Develop better understanding and application of climate-weather connections (i.e. MJO, GWO and annular mode indices) to improve medium range forecasts

Call for Researchers

If you are interested in engaging in research with the HMT-WPC, submitting a proposal with us, or simply interested in setting up a visit to WPC, please contact Mike Bodner (HMT-WPC Focal Point).