The Second Real-Time, Virtual Spring Forecasting Experiment to Advance Severe Weather Prediction
Adam J. Clark, Israel L. Jirak, Burkely T. Gallo, Kent H. Knopfmeier, Brett Roberts, Makenzie Krocak, Jake Vancil, Kimberly A. Hoogewind, Nathan A. Dahl, Eric D. Loken, David E. Jahn, David Harrison, David Imy, Patrick C. Burke, Louis J. Wicker, Patrick S. Skinner, Pamela L. Heinselman, Patrick T. Marsh, Katie A. Wilson, Andrew R. Dean, Gerald J. Creager, Thomas A. Jones, Jidong Gao, Yunheng Wang, Montgomery L. Flora, Corey K. Potvin, Christopher A. Kerr, Nusrat Yussouf, Joshua Martin, J.E. Castillo Guerra, Brian C. Matilla, Thomas J. Galarneau
Abstract
The 2021 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Forecasting Experiment (2021 SFE) was held virtually 3 May–4 June 2021. SFEs are co-led by the NWS/Storm Prediction Center (SPC) and OAR/National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), and test new severe weather prediction tools, study how end users apply severe weather guidance to forecasting, and facilitate experiments for optimizing convection-allowing model (CAM) ensemble design informing Unified Forecast System (UFS; https://ufscommunity.org) development. Well-vetted virtual meeting tools enabled the most SFE participation ever: 133 forecasters, researchers, and students from around the world. Gathering a diverse community to learn from one another has been a hallmark of SFEs that has continued in virtual experiments. However, science-based discussions and establishing new collaborations are more difficult in the virtual environment. Nevertheless, lessons learned could benefit a future hybrid approach involving both in-person and virtual participation.