Thread: Changes at NHC for 2008

With 69 days till the start of Hurricane season for 2008, NHC has changed the times we will get updates from the NHC to make it easier for the media to hve the latest info for their forcast.


Contents

1. <LI class=reg>Overview <LI class=std>Changes for 2008 <LI class=reg>Explanation of the Graphical TWO <LI class=reg>Probabilistic Genesis Forecasts <LI class=reg>Methodology <LI class=reg>Availability <LI class=reg>Examples <LI class=reg>Potential Benefits of a Graphical TWO <LI class=reg>Feedback and Suggestions from 2007
2. References

2. Changes for 2008

Based on the success of the GTWO during the 2007 hurricane season, the results of the probabilistic genesis forecast verification, and comments from users, the following changes to the GTWO will be implemented during the 2008 hurricane season:

1. The 2008 version of the GTWO will be issued four times per day.
2. The 2008 version of the GTWO will include a three-tiered, color-coded, categorical genesis forecast:
   
3. The issuance times for the TWO and GTWO will be changed to 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 UTC. In previous years, the Atlantic TWO was issued at 5:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 5:30 PM, and 10:30 PM, ET while the Pacific TWO's were issued at 4 AM, 10 AM, 4 PM, and 10 PM, PT.
   
   Atlantic GTWONew Issuance Time (EDT)New Issuance Time (EST)2:00 AM1:00 AM8:00 AM7:00 AM2:00 PM1:00 PM8:00 PM7:00 PM
   
   East Pacific GTWONew Issuance Time (PDT)New Issuance Time (PST)5:00 AM4:00 AM11:00 AM10:00 AM5:00 PM4:00 PM11:00 PM10:00 PM

Examples of the new 2008 version of the GTWO can be viewed via the following URLs:

View Atlantic Example – View Pacific Example
Next: Explanation of the Graphical TWO

They are also adding a new color graphic showing small to large probability of a formation of a hurricane..............example

Looks like they will be using more visual aids with the colors so you can process more info at a glance.