HYBRID MODELING IN METEOROLOGICAL APPLICATIONS .2. AN OPERATIONAL SYSTEM

In this paper a real-time, operational weather prediction system is de scribed which is based on the concepts of hybrid modeling, combining n umerical forecasting techniques with user-interactive, graphics based post-processing tools. The system consists of 5 major components: an a utomated data reception and decoding module which receives raw surface and radiosonde observational data via a satellite communication link; a geographic information module structured for meterological applicat ions; a numerical prediction module running in a fully automated mode; a display module for meteorological charts; a user-interactive GUI (g raphical user interface) module whose database structure permits inter action between, and display as well as manipulation of, terrain and we ather characteristics. The whole system is PC-based. Its major current applications are in support of winter highway maintenance operations. The system can easily be customized for other applications.