An Overview of the Interactive Forecast Preparation System. (Atmospheric Science Section).

Buonanno, C.C. National Weather Service Forecast Office, Fort Worth, TX. AN OVERVIEW OF THE INTERACTIVE FORECAST PREPARATION SYSTEM. The National Weather Service (NWS) "provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy" (from NWS mission statement). To support this mission, The National Weather Service recognizes a requirement to provide innovative, valuable and useful weather services to respond to the nation's threat of experiencing significant weather events. The current NWS modernization allows for a continual upgrading of computer resources to support this goal. The Interactive Forecast Preparation System (IFPS) is a software system that utilizes an interactive, graphical method of relating a forecast from the forecaster(s) to their client base. Through IFPS, a forecast is rendered through a manipulation of a digital database of forec ast parameters, creating a flexible, integrated, coherent package of forecast products. Use of the IFPS will present a shift in forecast methodology from that of more antiquated methods. A review of this software will be presented, along with the change in forecast methodologies it offers, and aspects for future training of meteorologists.