WSR2003 SPECIFICS

In the winter of 2003 the Winter Storm Recon Program is fully operational at the National Weather Service. The program will be organized as in 2001 and 2002. In case of a need for extra observations to be taken with the aim of reducing forecast uncertainty for threatening winter weather events, forecasters at WFO field offices can contact the WSR focal point in their respective region:
Alaska:
Pacific:
Western Region:    David Reynolds, Monterey
Central Region:    Dodge City
Southern Region:    Dan Smith
Eastern Region:
The regional focal points, along with NCEP Service Center focal points, will forward
the pertinent information on the forecast event to the Senior Duty Meteorologist at NCEP/NCO by 9:30 am eastern time.

The WSR03 program is expected to start on 18 January 2003. Approximately 150 flight hours (18-20 missions) will be available on the NOAA G-lV plane through March 13. In addition, 200 flight hours will be available with 2 USAF C130 planes from 22 January - 14 February 2003 (with 2-3 February as scheduled down days). The C130s will be based in Anchorage, while the G-lV in Honolulu. The planes will take dropsonde observations in areas identified by the SDM as the most relevant for improving the forecasts for events requested by the field and NCEP forecasters.

Aircraft schedules:
C-130s: First flight is possible at 2003012200. Last possible flight is at 2003021400. 2-3 February are down days. All flights are out of Anchorage.
G-lV: First flight is possible at 2003011800. Last flight is possible at 2003031300. Flights are out of Honolulu through 13 March.

For Plan of Day (POD), containing used/remaining flight our information, see:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/reconlist.html
or www.hurricanehunters.com/wxdata.htm
or call up the bulletin NOUS42 KNHC

PROCEDURES FOR SDM

REFERENCE DATA FOR 2001

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