Unlike other NCEP forecast systems which run continuously throughout the year, the hurricane models, e.g. both the HWRF and the GFDL models, are launched for operational use only when NHC determines that a disturbed area of weather has the potential to evolve into a depression anywhere over NHC's area of responsibility. After an initial HWRF or GFDL run is triggered, new runs are launched in cycled mode until the storm either dissipates, becomes extratropical, or degenerates into a remnant low. Currently, the HWRF runs in NCEP operations four times daily producing 5-day forecasts of mainly track and intensity to meet NHC operational forecast and warning process objectives.

LINKS TO OPERATIONAL HWRF RUNS