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News & Information: Archive

2018

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[2018 Dec 19] Website Update version 2.3.8.15

A website update was applied to the production website.  This includes:

  • Extended TCF plots
  • Updated GFA clouds
  • New PIREP submit request page for help on getting submit privileges.
  • Numerous bug fixes

See more information in "What's new page" in the version 2.3.8.15 section.



[2018 Dec 04] Server Maintenance

There is scheduled server maintenance on Thursday Dec 6 from about 9AM CST (1500 UTC) to about 2PM CST (2000 UTC).  This could result in data flow disruption to the website between 1530 and 1700 UTC.  Although any lost data will try to be resent, it's possible it won't be recovered. 

As a part of this maintenance, the software to produce much of the images on the website will be upgraded.  This could cause some imagery to look different.  We will attempt to fix any issues with the imagery as soon as possible after the upgrade.



[2018 Aug 22] Web Site Outage on 21 August

The website is back on the production web servers as of 2245Z.  An outage disabled the website around 0530Z on Aug 21.  A temporary server was stood up to provide limited access to data.  Now that the production servers are stable, we switched back.

The web code has been upgraded to version 2.3.8.14.  Please check the "What's New" page to see changes.



[2018 Jul 12] GTG3 and CIP Outage Since 12Z on 12 July 2018

Due to the upgrade to the Rapid Refresh model (RAPv4) 12 July 2018 at 12Z, the CIP and the GTG3 algorithms are not running and are not available at this time.

We are actively working with partners to address these issues and will update this news feed when the products become available in the near future!



[2018 Jun 29] GFA Expansion to Gulf and Caribbean Now Available Experimentally

A new experimental version of the Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) tool is available and now covers the Western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea in addition to the CONUS.  The public comment period is open until 31 December 2018.

https://testbed.aviationweather.gov/gfa

We look forward to your feedback!

 



[2018 May 29] Website Update

New web code and functionality were added to the website.  This affects the following pages:

  • /airep - AIREP/PIREP page - updated user interface
  • /areafcsts - Area Forecasts - uses ADDS Lite files
  • /briefing - Standard Briefing page - updates links, fixes broken links
  • /cva - Ceiling and Visibility page - update to use drop down menus, ADDS Lite files
  • /cwamis - CWA and MIS page - update menu dropdowns
  • /ecfp - ECFP page - uses ADDS Lite files
  • /error - new updated error page
  • /gairmet - G-AIRMET page - update to use drop down menu, new plot page which folds functionality from old /display page into plot page.
  • /help and /info - general update to content
  • /hemst - HEMS Tool - update to use new library code (now same as on GFA, updates Radar display label to refer to actual time in radar tilecache
  • /sigmet - SIGMETs page - update to use drop down menus
  • /trafficflowmgmt/gate - Gate Forecasts - updated to release code
  • /wafs - WAFS forecasts - uses ADDS Lite files, uses drop down menus
  • /windtemp - Wind/Temperature Forecasts - update to use drop down menus

See more information in "What's new page".



[2018 Mar 14] Termination of NCWD/F Product
The National Convective Weather Diagnostic and Forecast on www.aviationweather.gov will be terminated as of March 31, 2018. The webpage /ncwf will be removed at that time. For more information, please see NWS Service Change Notice http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/notification/scn17-09ncwd_termination.htm.


[2018 Mar 06] Termination of adds.aviationweather.gov
Due to security issues related to the HTTPS upgrade, we will no longer be maintaining the adds.aviationweather.gov host name. Please change bookmarks and scripts to use www.aviationweather.gov.


[2018 Feb 20] Service restoration
Although the web servers are now functional, the back-end data servers are not. Still waiting on some issues to be resolved before reestablishing data flow. The last data on the website is from 1520Z Tuesday.


[2018 Feb 13] Aviationweather.gov moving to HTTPS only access

On February 23, HTTP access to the aviationweather.gov website was discontinued. Using HTTP to access the site will result in a redirect to HTTPS. This is in response to DHS Binding Operations Directive 18-01 which requires enhanced security to all government websites. There are three requirements:

  • All websites will be HTTPS only. Existing HTTP traffic can be redirected to HTTPS but all data transfer must be secure. This was implemented on Feb. 23.
  • All websites will use HSTS headers. This directs web browsers to only use HTTPS on that website. This will be implemented on Feb 28.
  • All websites will discontinue use of insecure encryption in the SSL layer. This means protocols/ciphers like SSLv2, SSLv3, 3DES and RC4 can not be used. Older software without TLS and other high end encryption capabilities may not work once this is implemented. This will also be implemented on Feb 28.

It is recommended that users upgrade software to handle the new SSL requirements within BOD 18-01. Second, it is recommended that bookmarks and scripts be upgraded to use https://.

There are some issues with the Java applications in relationship to HTTPS access:

  • Flight Path Tool - this was upgraded to use HTTPS for data transfer. Make sure you download a new version of the program (should do this automatically). Also, you may need to create an exception for https://www.aviationweather.gov and https://bcaws.aviationweather.gov in the Java security panel to make sure FPT can start up and request data.
  • Flight Path Tool ver. 2 - this was upgraded to use HTTPS but there are issues with requesting the data. We're working on a fix to enable data connections.


[2018 Feb 01] Website Update
A release of new code went out to the website on Feb 1. This includes:
  • /tcf – updated to handle new archive capabilities including the chat logs
  • /radar – new regional static plots for rala, cref, and etops
  • /progchart – SigWx charts are now date/time stamped to avoid future confusion from using non-timestamped files. New surface prog charts are bigger and weather contours go out to 6 days. This also fixes the duplicate valid time issue. The display shows the latest chart for each valid time.
  • /airep – new integrated PIREP layer that shows ALL PIREPs, not just ones with icing and turbulence. This is a needed upgrade since many UUA type PIREPs are issued for weather not related to icing or turb. This also shows the mountain wave PIREPs that before were dropped because they were decoded as turbulence PIREPs.
  • /wifs – new code for WIFS main page. Update pending web server reconfiguration.
  • /pirep/submit – the new version of the PIREP submit page is now in production. This is functionally the same but has a new address. This was split out from /airep because the functionality was separate for the code used to display PIREPs. Bookmarks to /airep/submit will be redirected to /pirep/submit.


[2018 Jan 24] ADDS database data old
At of 1620 UTC on Jan 24, server issues caused the website to be unavailable for about an hour. Even though the web server is available, the data in the back-end databases is old. We're working on the issue.


2017

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[2017 Dec 21] New GOES 16 imagery

The satellite imagery on the website has been updated to include GOES 16 data. All the static imagery is new, based on new ADDS Lite scripts and uses new hi-res CONUS imagery. There is a new IR enhancement based on the NWS color scheme. The international static imagery is now generated from a single set of 4km global mosaics. This adds visible and water vapor imagery to those static images. The interactive map global satellite imagery is from the same set of 4km satellite images. This improves the interactive display from 10km resolution to 4km. See the "What's New" page for more information.



[2017 Nov 15] Website Update

There are a four updates to the website:

  • Deprecation of legacy pages - Several old pages on the website were either turned into redirects or removed entirely. These pages were no longer supported and had dated information on them. For more information on what links changed, see the What's New page (/help/whatsnew).
  • Fix to broken PDD links - The links to the PDD pages on the site broke when products.weather.gov went to https only access. This fixes those broken links.
  • Fix to the local forecast entry box - This has been updated to match weather.gov.
  • Fix to the Winter Dashboard Plume setup - Removes some legacy code


[2017 Oct 10] Text Area Forecast (FA) Retirement
The final text Area Forecast (FA) will be issued at 10OCT17 1945Z. Please use the Graphical Area Forecast (GFA) which can be found from the "Tools" ==> "GFA Tool" menu pull-down.


[2017 Apr 25] Web Outage for April 27th
On April 27, 2017, www.AviationWeather.gov will be unavailable for extended periods due to network maintenance at our hosting facility. The outage will begin at 1015 UTC (6:15 AM EDT) and end between 1120-1145 UTC (7:20-7:45 AM EDT). Between 1900-1945 UTC (3:00-3:45 PM EDT) there may be additional interruptions or degradation. During these outage users may connect to http://bcaws.AviationWeather.gov.


[2017 Apr 20] Network maintenance, possible site outage
Continued network maintenance is scheduled for Thursday April 20 from roughly 1000 UTC to about 1800 UTC. The aviationweather.gov website might encounter intermittent outages of both connectivity and data.


[2017 Apr 17] IDP network maintenance, server issues
The web provider, IDP, performed some network maintenance Monday, April 17th. This caused some weird side effects which resulted in the server being down, then an inability to receive live data. The server outage was from 1545 to 1650Z. The server data issues continued until 2030Z when the data flow was fully restored.


[2017 Apr 03] ADDS Database issues, lack of live data
At about 1730Z today, the ADDS database replication stopped. Even though data were getting into the master database, it was not getting to the slave servers, meaning data was frozen at 1730Z. The web IT staff at IDP have reset the database servers to get live data flowing again. As of 2230Z, some data flow has been restored. AWC and IDP will monitor the situation.


[2017 Feb 15] TCF (TFM Convective Forecast) is now available
The NWS Aviation Weather Center (AWC) has begun production of the Traffic Flow Management (TFM) Convective Forecast (TCF). TCF is a high-confidence graphical representation of forecasted convection meeting specific criteria of coverage, intensity, and echo top height. The TCF is used by air traffic management decision makers in support of convective weather mitigation strategies within the National Airspace System. The TCF may be accessed at http://www.AviationWeather.gov/tcf. A training package may be found at http://tfmlearning.fly.faa.gov/.


[2017 Feb 15] New User Authentication
A new user authentication system is being implemented as of February 15, 2017. There is a new registration page and registration now requires email confirmation. The password reset function has been fixed using an email process to do the reset. You'll see these in the user login page. The registration form now has a comment box to request specific functionality such as PIREP submit. If you want these capabilities, note it in the comment box and AWC will accept or reject the request based on the user requirements for each page. The user settings page has been restored. Previously, it was only available for those users who had gone through the registration process and had a valid login. Now the favorites bar is available for non-registered users. Go under User Settings to create your own favorites bar. This doesn't override the settings for registered users. When you log in, the favorites bar will be set to what's in your user settings.


2016

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[2016 Dec 13] METAR Outage
Numerous surface observations have been missing since 21Z from across the United States. FAA MOCC reported that a fire at a telco provider site in Omaha is the cause. No ETR is known at this time.


[2016 Nov 28] New Impacts TAF Board
Per NWS TIN 16-39, the new Impacts TAF Board was moved to the operational website on November 28 at 1700 UTC. The Impacts criteria for color coding is an airport specific set of weather criteria for winds, ceiling, visibility and weather which would cause major impact to air traffic. As a result of the new operational TAF Board going live, the older experimental TAF Board pages have been deprecated and those URLs now forward to the new TAF Board page. This includes /taf/tda, /trafficflowmgmt/tda and /trafficflowmgmt/tafboard.


[2016 Aug 24] Upgrade to CCFP
AWC has implemented the next version of the CCFP (v2) using input from the latest Hi-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model upgrade. This version of the CCFP incorporates a new drawing algorithm that also removes the occasional over-concentration of higher coverage/higher confidence areas beyond the lower coverage/low confidence polygons. For more information on the latest HRRR model upgrade, please see: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/notification/tin16-26rap_hrrrr.htm


[2016 Apr 14] Removal of Legacy Pages and JAVA applets
Effective Thursday, 30JUN16 at 1500Z, the legacy WEB pages remaining after the WEB site redesign (including JAVA applets) will be retired. See Service Change Notice 16-30 and be sure to update your links and bookmarks.


[2016 Apr 08] Experimental PIREP Submission form
Effective April 12, the AWC made the PIREP online submission form available to users on an experimental basis to solicit feedback. The comment period will continue through June 6. For more information, please see Public Information Statement 16-09


[2016 Apr 08] Public Comment Period extended for the experimental GFA
The public comment period for the Experimental Graphical Forecasts for Aviation has been extended through June 11, 2016. Please explore http://new.aviationweather.gov/areafcst and note the red survey link in the upper right.


[2016 Mar 01] Experimental CAWS Resumption
Production of Experimental CAWS (Collaborative Aviaton Weather Statement) has resumed as of 01 March 2016.


[2016 Jan 12] Experimental Graphical Forecasts for Aviation
We are pleased to announce that Experimental Graphical Forecasts for Aviation are available at:http://new.aviationweather.gov/areafcst

You can provide feedback by following the red SURVEY link toward the upper right portion of the web page.

The Experimental Graphical Forecasts for Aviation are designed to provide meteorological information equivalent to the textual Area Forecast (FA) in a graphical format, as requested by the FAA. This product includes observations and forecasts valid for the continental United States that provide data critical for aviation safety, overlaid on high-resolution basemaps. Please note that the text-based Area Forecast is still being produced.


2015

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[2015 Nov 04] [IMPORTANT] Web Site Migration
Between November 4-25, 2015, the Aviation Weather Center will be migrating www.AviationWeather.gov to a new operational platform. While we are doing everything we can to minimize impact on our users, there may be intermittent outages, higher than normal latencies, and occasional data lag during this transition period. Please use our Contact Us page at http://www.aviationweather.gov/contact to report problems. We appreciate your patience while we work to bring you a more robust, high performing web experience.


[2015 Aug 26] SigWx LL Graphic change
Effective September 1, 2015, www.AviationWeather.gov users will see changes on the Prog Charts page. The current 4-panel Low Level SFC-240 chart will be replaced with a 2-panel chart. The new 2-panel chart will be the same as the top two panels in the current chart, depicting the freezing level and areas of IFR, MVFR, and moderate or greater turbulence. The bottom two panels of the chart will be removed. In lieu of these bottom two panels, an enhanced surface chart that includes fronts, pressure, precipitation type, precipitation intensity, and weather type, will be displayed. The green precipitation polygons will be replaced by shaded precipitation areas using the National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) weather grid.


[2015 Jun 09] Regarding recent problems on www.AviationWeather.gov website.
On Friday June 5th www.AviationWeather.gov experienced a catastrophic failure. In order to resolve the problems the website was reverted to a previous version released on May 4th. The updates to the web site since that release are no longer available including updates to the HEMS Tool. The HEMS Tool has been rolled back to its initial version from May 4th.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this failure caused our valued users. We are taking aggressive steps to ensure www.AviationWeather.gov maintains the high levels of reliability you have come to expect.


[2015 May 04] HEMS Tool Now Available
Effective May 4, 2015, 1800 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the NWS Aviation Weather Center (AWC) in Kansas City, MO, will make the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Tool operationally available on the Aviation Weather Center website: http://www.aviationweather.gov/hemst
The HEMS Tool interactively displays high resolution grids of critical weather parameters: ceiling, visibility, flight category, winds, icing severity, relative humidity, temperature, radar, satellite, G-AIRMETs, SIGMETs, METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, NWS warnings, and Center Weather Advisories (CWAs). Overlays include navigational aids, airports and heliports for the entire United States. More detail is revealed as you zoom in and individual layers can be turned on or off independently. The tool is not a weather product; it is a display that aggregates a number of existing weather products into a single, quick-glance, automated graphic.

It can be found under the TOOLS menu.


[2015 Apr 15] Job openings for meterologists at AWC
The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere at Colorado State University is now advertising for two new positions located here at the Aviation Weather Center.
The first is for a cloud and visibility meteorologist and developer who will also provide oversight for three other associates in the testbed.
The second is for a WAFS meteorologist and developer who will focus on the use of ensembles for the World Area Forecast System's international aviation hazards grids.

Feel free to contact Bruce Entwistle with any questions about these positions.
C. Bruce Entwistle
Bruce.Entwistle@noaa.gov
National Weather Service
Aviation Weather Center
7220 NW 101st Terrace, Room 103
Kansas City, MO 64153-2371
Office: 816-584-7237
Fax: 866-414-1486


[2015 Mar 03] New experimental Collaborative Aviation Weather Statement (CAWS)
The new experimental Collaborative Aviation Weather Statement (CAWS) is now being issued by the AWC. This product, now available on the AWC webpage, will be issued for specific, high-impact, thunderstorm events focusing on the Core 29 airports and high air traffic sensitive regions. The focus is event-driven, supporting the ability to more effectively initiate, adjust, or terminate planned or active Traffic Management Initiatives (TMI) to balance traffic demand in the constraint locations. Read the Public Information Statement


[2015 Jan 08] NWS Aviation Weather Seminar
On Saturday, January 31, the NWS office in Wichita, KS in association with the Kansas Army National Guard, and EagleMed is hosting a FREE one-day seminar for general aviation (GA) pilots and aviation weather enthusiasts. The Seminar will feature presenters from a multitude of agencies in the public and private sector to discuss how weather, particularly thunderstorms, affects the aviation community. For more information and to register: https://sites.google.com/site/nwsaviationweatherseminar/


2014

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[2014 Oct 31] Experimental CDM Convective Guidance
New experimental "CDM Convective Forecast Planning guidance" product available 31 Oct. CDM stands for Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) which is a joint FAA and Airline industry initiative aimed at improving air traffic flow management through increased information exchange among aviation community stakeholders. PNS is available here.


[2014 Oct 28] Budget Analyst Position
The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) is currently advertising for a Budget Analyst position at the Aviation Weather Center, in Kansas City.


[2014 Oct 07] CIP/FIP ADDS display updated to 13km
The new 13km CIP and FIP output is now available on ADDS. The new 13km output uses the native 13km RAP model input as opposed to a degraded 20km output used over the last two years. This also uses native resolution radar data which results in slightly less coverage of icing potential and SLD in areas of thunderstorm activity. Forecasts from FIP have also been extended from 12 to 18 hours.


[2014 Oct 03] Admin position
Jamison Professional Services has an Administrative Assistant position located at the Aviation Weather Center currently advertised: for more information


[2014 Sep 17] Latest Website changes (9/17)
  • Fixes for the radar navigation links
  • Fixes for PIREP submission pages


[2014 Aug 29] Fissure Eruptions Observed Near Icelandic Volcano; Aviation Code "Red"

Key Points

  • According to the Icelandic Met Office, fissure eruptions have been observed north of the Dynjujokull Glacier in Iceland.
  • Due to this activity near the Baroarbunga volcano, the Aviation Color code has been raised to "red".
  • Increased seismic activity, often with near-constant earthquakes, has been monitored at the Baroarbunga volcano since August 16, 2014.
  • Frequent status updates have been provided to numerous international collaborators by the Icelandic Met Office and there has been considerable collaboration with the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAAC).
  • The London VAAC is now issuing advisories due to this activity.
  • Additional information will be provided, as needed, in a Significant Event Report as details become available.

NOAA/NWS Activities

NWS Meteorologists at the NWS Aviation Weather Center (AWC) are in close coordination with national and international partners to maintain awareness as this event continues to unfold.

Icelandic Met Office - Volcano and Aviation Color Code Information
London VAAC
Washington DC VAAC (No Advisories)
Aviation Weather Center Volcanoes page



[2014 Aug 28] Latest Website changes

Today we released some changes to the web site.

  • Some stylistic changes for site links
  • Bug fixes for displaying TAFs alongside METARs on some pages
  • Highlights of new news items with orange menu at top of page. The menu changes after you view the news page
As always, if you have any questions please send them via the feedback form



[2014 Aug 05] NWS joins FAA-AOPA "Got Weather" educational campaign
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS)has joined the FAA and the general aviation community’s eight month Got Weather? national safety campaign. NOAA’s NWS delivers consistent, timely, and accurate weather information for both domestic and international airspace from three specialized aviation weather offices – Aviation Weather Center, Alaska Aviation Weather Unit and the Weather Forecast Office in Honolulu, HI. Aviation weather experts at these offices provide forecasts of aviation hazards such as icing, turbulence, and convection. Advisories, forecasts and other weather information is available through a wide-variety of sources, including the popular Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS) website, “one-stop shopping” at the “Standard Briefing” webpage on ADDS links many of NOAA’s aviation weather products. More information


[2014 Jul 29] New Features on website

Some new features are now available on the site.

  • New navigation buttons on the Site Radar page
  • Radar on the home page
  • More satellite coverage on the Satellite page and a new satellite layer on the home page.
  • Simplified Menus and quicker access to the 7 day forecast from the top menu.
We hope you enjoy the new features. If you have any questions, feel free to send them to us



[2014 Jul 24] NWS to discontinue experimental Aviation Impact Maps on 8 August, 2014
Effective Friday, August 8, 2014, at 1800 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the NWS will discontinue the experimental Aviation Impact Maps available online at http://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/sref/hourly/


[2014 Jun 26] FAA has published in the Federal Register the transition of Area Forecast Product.
The FAA has published in the Federal Register the transition of Area Forecast Product. It can be found at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-06-19/pdf/2014-14364.pdf
The NWS has issued a Public Information Statement referencing this notice from the FAA etc. It can be found at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/notification/pns14fa_comments.htm
Link to comment status on Federal Register for FA notice.


[2014 Jun 22] Altimeter observation errors
The altimeter observation errors have been resolved from Saturday night except for three sites: Meeker, Colorado - Eagle, Alaska - St Paul Island, Alaska. These will be repaired shortly


[2014 Jun 21] Warning: altimeter observation errors

Please exercise caution when using altimeter observations!

Widespread altimeter observation errors may be possible across the southern United States due to a possible software error. Technicians are currently checking altimeter settings at sites where errant software may have been deployed. The reported error was caused by the trailing zero of the elevation at the observing site being removed. For example, an elevation of 3620 feet was listed as 362 feet. This error will result in incorrect altimeter calculations. While the error was caught before the software was pushed across the country, the National Weather Service Southern Region reports that up to 600 sites may have been impacted.

This error is expected to be fully corrected by Sunday morning.



[2014 May 30] AWC Lead Forecaster Vacancy Announcement

Please see vacancy announcement NWS-NCEP-2014-0019
Responsibilities include:

  • Preparing and issuing warnings, advisories, aviation and other forecasts.
  • Serving as a staff specialist for aviation meteorology.
  • Performing a wide range of assignments of considerable difficulty and complexity in forecasting or techniques development.
  • Consulting/collaborating with a wide variety of government and other officials.
  • Helping infuse science into operations, and/or leading other special weather programs for an office or the broader organization.



[2014 May 15] Low ceilings/visibility will impact the East Coast through Friday

Increasing tropical moisture streaming northward ahead of a cold front will impact the East Coast through Friday. The main impacts to aviation will be low ceilings/visibility ahead and along the front, strong winds, and thunderstorms with heavy rain. In addition, winds aloft are expected to create compression issues.

Timing: today through Friday (Saturday for BOS).
BOS: Thursday-Thursday night no impact Friday IFR ceilings/vis with rain developing heavy at times. Rainfall amounts up to a half inch. Friday night/Saturday IFR with rain/SCT thunderstorms tapering off Sat evening. Winds SE 15-25 G30KT. An additional inch possible. Compression most likely Friday afternoon/Saturday morning.
NY Metros: Thursday Low IFR/IFR through the afternoon. SE Winds 10-15KT. Thursday Night Low IFR. Heavy rain/thunderstorms late. Southeast winds 15-20KT. Rainfall around an inch with localized flooding possible. Friday IFR with heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms in the morning tapering off in the evening. An additional inch expected with continued threat for localized flooding. Winds SE 15-20KT becoming NW in the evening. Compression most likely morning through afternoon hours.
PHL: Thursday Low IFR through the morning hours, improving to MVFR/VFR this afternoon. Thursday Night Low IFR with heavy rain/thunderstorms. Southeast winds 15-20KT. Rainfall around an inch with localized flooding possible. Friday IFR with heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms in the morning tapering off in the evening. An additional 1-1.5 inches expected with continued threat for flooding. Winds SE 15-20KT becoming NW in the afternoon. Compression most likely early morning hours.
DC Metros: Thursday Low IFR through the morning hours, improving to MVFR/VFR by noon. Thursday Night Low IFR with heavy rain/thunderstorms. Southeast winds 15-20KT. Rainfall 1-2 inches with localized flooding possible. Friday IFR with heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms in the morning tapering off in the evening. An additional 1-2 inches expected with continued threat for flooding. Winds SE 15-20KT becoming NW in the afternoon. Compression most likely early morning hours.
CLT: Thursday MVFR/IFR with periods of heavy rain/Thunderstorms. 2-3" of rain expected by Friday AM. Localized flooding in and around the airport possible. Friday - VFR



[2014 May 07] NTSB provides NWS with safety recommendations.

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a recommendation to both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Weather Service Tuesday, urging both agencies to work toward placing more weather information in pilots' hands.

The NTSB wants those agencies to do a better job in sharing more real-time weather information with pilots, and do a better job of teaching them about dangerous weather conditions they may face.

The NTSB made the following five recommendations to the NWS:
  • Modify NWS aviation weather products to make them consistent with NWS nonaviation-specific advisory products when applicable, so that they advise of hazardous conditions including aviation hazards less than 3,000 square miles in area that exist outside of terminal aerodrome forecast coverage areas. (A-14-17)
  • Provide a primary aviation weather product that specifically addresses both the potential for and the existence of mountain wave activity and the associated aviation weather hazards (as recommended in Safety Recommendation A-14-14 to the FAA). (A-14-18)
  • In cooperation with FAA, revise the Interagency Agreement between the FAA and the NOAA for the CWSU and its accompanying statement of work if needed to add the new responsibilities of CWSU personnel in response to Safety Recommendations A-14-17 and/or A-14-18 to the NWS, which are in addition to the other responsibilities currently performed by the NWS under this agreement. (A-14-19)
  • Establish a protocol that will enhance communication among meteorologists at the CWSUs, the AWC, and, as applicable, other NWS facilities to ensure mutual situation awareness of critical aviation weather data among meteorologists at those facilities. (A-14-20)
  • Establish standardized guidance for all NWS aviation weather forecasters on the weighting of information reported in pilot reports (PIREPs) that will (1) promote consistent determination of hazard severity reported in a PIREP and (2) assist in aviation weather product issuance. (A-14-21)
The full report can be downloaded here


[2014 May 05] Got Weather? Campaign started May 4th
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and general aviation groups have launched an eight-month national safety campaign titled, Got Weather? #GotWx, to help general aviation (GA) pilots prepare for potential weather challenges they may encounter during the 2014 flying season. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and GA leaders kicked off the Got Weather? campaign Sunday, May 4, in Anchorage at the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering.


[2014 Apr 03] AWC DNS Outage
The WOC and consequently many NOAA websites including the AWC web site (www.AviationWeather.gov) experienced a DNS outage that started at approximately 1815 UTC on April 3. The servers were still running but browsers couldn't resolve www.AviationWeather.gov. DNS servers started recovering after 19 UTC but many took several hours to get updated. This didn't affect the aviationweather.gov address and many were able to still get in through that address. Full DNS access to the site was reestablished around 2120 UTC.


[2014 Mar 25] New Web Site is live
The new www.aviationweather.gov site went live at 18UTC on March 25th. This utilizes the new weather.gov layout and adds new GIS interactive maps to the site.


[2014 Mar 03] CCFP Resumption for 2014
Production of the Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP) has resumed as of 03 March 2014.


[2014 Feb 24] CCFP To Resume For 2014
Seasonal Production of the Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP) will resume 03 March 2014.


[2014 Feb 11] New Web Site goes live March 25
Effective Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at 1800 UTC, the NWS Aviation Weather Center will implement newly designed webpages for www.aviationweather.gov and www.aviationweather.gov/adds. See Technical Implementation Notice for more information.


[2014 Jan 29] Severe Turbulence 16 Jan 2014 Discussion
AWC Senior Aviation Meteorologist Karen Eagle has posted a short review on the severe turbulence event of January 16, 2014 over the northeastern U.S. The review is found on the Aviation Weather Testbed at http://testbed.aviationweather.gov/page/public?name=wxsummary


2013

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[2013 Nov 22] Winter Weather Dashboard is operational
The Winter Weather Dashboard (WWD) is now operational. The WWD provides automated guidance of potential winter weather impacting large U.S. airports, and is based on the NWS Short Range Ensemble Forecast System (SREF). The link to the WWD is: http://www.aviationweather.gov/decisionsupport/winterdashboard


[2013 Oct 21] End of CCFP Season
2013 CCFP season ends soon. The last issuance of CCFP will be at 1900 EDT on Thursday, October 31, 2013. We will start the 2014 CCFP Season on Monday, March 3, 2014 at 0300 Eastern Time.


[2013 Oct 01] Government shutdown
Due to the Federal Government shutdown, NOAA.gov and most associated web sites are unavailable. However, because the information this site provides is necessary to protect life and property, it will be updated and maintained during the Federal Government shutdown.


[2013 Sep 25] New WAFS Gridded Data
New Display of WAFS Gridded Data released on 9/25/2013. This website demonstrates how the WAFS gridded data for turbulence, icing and Cb can be displayed. The display is not approved for use by either the FAA or ICAO, though the underlying gridded data are approved for use in support of flight planning. For more information on how to gain access to the underlying gridded data, see the WIFS website.


[2013 Sep 12] NWS Customer Satisfaction Survey
Click Here for a link to the NWS customer satisfaction survey for 2013.


[2013 Sep 10] Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS) User Discussion
From 3:15 to 4:15 Pacific Time on October 24 there will be a discussion among the users, developers, and operators of ADDS which will take place at the NBAA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas as part of the Friends and Partners in Aviation Weather (FPAW) Fall Meeting. An anticipated outcome of this discussion is the planning and scheduling of a one-day ADDS User Workshop to take place early in 2014. Interested ADDS users are invited to take part in this discussion, either by participation in person at the meeting, or through remote access via Ready Talk. Click the following link to register for either in-person or remote participation. See http://ral.ucar.edu/general/fpaw2013/adds.php.


[2013 Jul 29] New Aviation Weather Center Website
A proposed replacement of the National Weather Service Aviation Weather Center Page is available at new.aviationweather.gov. Comments are encouraged and can be done submitting a message at http://www.aviationweather.gov/feedback.


[2013 May 06] System Administrator Vacancy at AWC
The AWC is looking for a new System Administrator. See announcement and details on the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) page.


[2013 Mar 12] Prog charts problems
We are currently investigating a problem with the surface prog charts. Watch this space for updates. The progcharts are now up to date.


[2013 Mar 06] HPC is now WPC
NCEP's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center is now the Weather Prediction Center (WPC)! For more details, please read NOAA's announcement.


[2013 Mar 01] HPC is changing to WPC
To better reflect the diversity of its products and services, the name of NCEP's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center is being changed to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC), effective March 5, 2013! For more details, please read NOAA's announcement.


[2013 Jan 25] CCFP going to 4,6,8 hours
Effective March 1, 2013 the Collaborated Convective Forecast Product (CCFP) valid times have changed. The new valid times are 4 hours, 6 hours, and 8 hours from issued time (previously 2,4,6). Details of this change can be found in NWS Technical Implementation Notice 12-46.


[2013 Jan 16] Gulf of Mexico METARs Collective
You can now request all Gulf of Mexico METARs via www.aviationweather.gov/adds/metars by using "@GULF" similar to the @State feature (ie. "@KS").


2012

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[2012 Nov 24] Systems Analyst Position
The AWC in Kansas City, MO is looking for an experienced Systems Analyst to lead the AWC's Systems Engineering Team. Interested? Click here for the Position Description and information on how to apply (position open until January 15 or until filled).


[2012 Oct 15] NCWCP Ribbon Cutting
Monday, 15 October, the ribbon was cut on the brand new NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction. See Interesting facts about our new building.


[2012 Sep 27] Text Data Problem Resolved
The Text Data Server problem has been resolved.


[2012 Sep 25] Data Server problems
We are currently experiencing a downgrade in performance in the Text Data Server. It appears to be most problematic between :55 after the hour till :15 after. We are working hard to restore the service and will update this message with further information as it is available.


[2012 Aug 23] Night time PIREPS
Call for night-time PIREPs. The Aviation Weather Center is conducting research project on low level turbulence away from the influences of terrain and in the presence of stronger wind. The AWC is requesting Pilots, controllers, and dispatchers make an extra effort to provide PIREPs below 12,000 feet during the nighttime hours--primarily from 0200 UTC through 1100 UTC. The focus of this project runs across the central plains; from Texas to Canada, between the Rockies and the Ohio River Valley, but any nighttime PIREP is greatly appreciated. The project runs through September 1, 2012.


[2012 Aug 20] NCEP network outages
We are currently experiencing some data outages due to upstream network problems. We will update this message when the problem is resolved. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.


[2012 Jul 24] Ceiling and Visibility Analysis Operational
Ceiling and Visibility Analysis Product is now operational. See TIN 12-31 and the ceiling and visibility help pages to learn how the product can be used.


[2012 Jul 20] Ceiling and Visibility Analysis will become Operational
Ceiling and Visibility Analysis Product will become operational July 24, 2012. See TIN 12-31 for more Information.


[2012 Jun 12] GTG updated to version 2.5 using Rapid Refresh (RAP)
The Graphical Turbulence Guidance (GTG) product, version 2.5, was updated to use the new Rapid Refresh (RAP) model on May 1st, 2012. As part of that upgrade, a bug was introduced to the rendering which caused an under-reporting of turbulence. That issue has now been rectified. You should expect to see more widespread reporting of turbulence in the forecasts beginning 15Z June 12.


[2012 May 30] Flight Path Tool Java Applet Removal
The flight path tool Java Applet will be removed June 5, 2012. Please use the FPT Java Application


[2012 May 01] RAP replaces RUC
On the 1st of May, the Rapid Refresh (RAP) model replaced the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC). This impacts CIP, FIP and Turbulence GTG products. The GTG model has also been upgraded from 20KM to 13KM resolution. For more information see the TIN for the RAP and GTG TIN.


[2012 Apr 27] RAP updates
The Rapid Refresh (RAP) model is being implemented today, May 1st. The RAP will be used as the forecast model that provides the initial forecast conditions instead of the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) for Automated Icing CIP, FIP and Turbulence GTG products. In conjunction with the upgrade of RAP model, GTG will be upgraded from 20KM to 13KM resolution. During the upgrade process some interruptions of data availability may be possible. Further guidance can be found in the TIN for the RAP and GTG TIN


[2012 Apr 18] ECFP product available
The Extended Convective Forecast Product (ECFP) is now operational! As operational guidance, the ECFP is now supported 24/7 and provides a probabilistic, quick-look forecast of convective potential across the National Airspace System (NAS) through 3-days.


[2012 Mar 16] Delayed Changes to GTG
Changes to the Graphical Turbulence Guidance and Java Flight Path Tool Application have been delayed. We will post the new dates here when we get them.


[2012 Mar 15] Announcing two new Forecaster positions at Command Center
The Aviation Weather Center is hiring two new GS-1340-13/14 forecaster positions at the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Warrenton, VA. See the Job announcement and how to apply at: USAJOBS.


[2012 Mar 15] Graphical Turbulence Guidance Has been Updated
Changes to Graphical Turbulence Guidance were implemented March 20, 2012. See Technical Implementation Notice for more info.


[2012 Mar 15] Flight Path Tool Application has been updated
The Java Flight Path Tool Application has been updated March 20, 2012.


[2012 Mar 13] Flight Path Tool Application Update
The Java Flight Path Tool Application is getting a face lift March 20, 2012. Pre-Flight the experimental version here.


[2012 Mar 13] Announcing two new Forecaster positions at Command Center
The Aviation Weather Center is hiring two new GS-1340-13/14 forecaster positions at the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Warrenton, VA. See the Job announcement and how to apply at: USAJOBS.


[2012 Mar 13] Graphical Turbulence Guidance Update
Changes to Graphical Turbulence Guidance will be implemented March 20, 2012. See Technical Implementation Notice for more info.


[2012 Mar 01] CCFP has resumed
Production of the Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP) has resumed as of 01 March 2012.


[2012 Feb 22] CCFP Resumption
Seasonal Production of the Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP) will resume 01 March 2012.


[2012 Feb 01] Flight Folder Fax Ending
Flight Folder FAX service ends February 28. See Service Change Notice 11-32.


2011

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[2011 Nov 09] QICP Login
Effective 12 Dec. The QICP login was moved to the top of the page. Additionally QICP users are now able to change their passwords.


[2011 Nov 02] QICP Login Lead Up
On 8 Nov. The QICP login will be moved to the top of the page. Additionally QICP users will now be able to change their passwords.


[2011 Aug 08] NextGen Development Meteorologist
The Aviation Weather Testbed at the AWC is seeking a NextGen Development Meteorologist. Click here for further information.


[2011 Aug 03] Space Weather Alert
Space Weather Alert: Increasing solar activity may adversely impact HF communications and/or GPS navigation signal reception. Please visit Space Weather Prediction Center for detailed information.


[2011 Aug 01] ECFP Day 3 Outlook
Experimental Extended Convective Forecast Product (ECFP) has added a Day 3 Outlook.


[2011 Aug 01] AWC New Website Infrastructure
The AWC’s new website infrastructure became operational on June 28, 2011. We have tried to make these enhancements transparent to all users. However, to ensure data availability — we strongly suggest you change any bookmarks or automated methods of accessing AWC websites to the following URLs:
http://www.aviationweather.gov or http://www.aviationweather.gov/adds
Please contact us at caws.admin@noaa.gov if you are adversely affected.


[2011 Aug 01] AWC Satellite Meteorologist
AWC looking for a Satellite Meteorologist to work in the Aviation Weather Testbed. See Position Description and Position Vacancy Listing. Type the PVL number ... 70257, and click on the link to “Researcher – Aviation Weather Center”.


[2011 Jun 11] IFFDP Flight Folder Issue
We apologize for the recent unexpected changes to the look and feel of the Flight Folder web page. Users still have access to the IFFDP Flight Folder content without needing to register. Click on the “Flight Folder” link on the left-hand menu. Because the new Web-Enabled IFFDP (WebIFFDP) system is nearing operational roll-out, we have made some minor changes to the look and feel. If you have questions please email us webiffdp.help@noaa.gov or call the Help Desk at +1(877)280-2811.


[2011 Jun 08] NWS Scheduled Maintenance Postponed
The NWS maintenance scheduled for June 7 was postponed to June 8. The maintenance will occur between 1230-1345Z. During this period you may experience data loss or latency on our web pages. Specific data sets that may be affected are NCWF/NCWD, Icing Forecasts, Turbulence Forecasts, and PIREPs on AviationWeather.gov and ADDS. WIFS and WebIFFDP users may see data delays with International SIGMETs, TAFs, and METARs. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.


[2011 Jun 07] WebIFFDP Available for Comment
Attention International Carriers: Comments are being sought on the experimental Web-enabled International Flight Folder Program (WebIFFDP). We value your feedback and encourage you to complete the survey. For more information see the Public Information Statement and the User Notification.


[2011 Jun 07] QICP Certification
AviationWeather.gov and AviationWeather.gov/adds are now QICP Certified. See QICP Description for registration info and QICP Agreement for more details.


[2011 Jun 01] NCEP’s online Newsletter
NCEP is pleased to announce the first edition of NCEP’s online Newsletter, which will appear on a quarterly basis. The newsletter, suggested as a result of a review of NCEP conducted by the University Corporation of Atmospheric Research (UCAR), will be distributed to NCEP customers and partners to keep them apprised of the breadth of NCEP activites. The newsletter can be accessed via a link from NCEP’s homepage, as well as from links from each of the NCEP Centers.


[2011 Mar 01] CCFP Resumed
Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP) resumed 01 March 2011.


[2011 Jan 18] Forecast Icing Severity (FIS)
The Aviation Weather Center began operationally issuing the gridded Forecast Icing Severity (FIS) product effective 18 January 2011. See TIN 10-51 for more information. Click here for information on GRIB file parameter changes.


2010

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[2010 Dec 01] Current Icing Product updates
The Aviation Weather Center implemented changes to the Current Icing Product. The changes are internal to the GRIB file format. See TIN 10-46 for more information.


[2010 Sep 21] Volcanic Ash Working Group
Federal Aviation Administration announces Public Meeting/Working Group With Industry on Volcanic Ash on November 5, 2010. Please click here for additional information.


[2010 Jun 16] 2010 Aviation Weather Community Forum
The 2010 Aviation Weather Community Forum was held on May 25-26. Click here for preliminary findings, pictures, and other information.


[2010 Mar 16] Graphical AIRMET is Operational
became an operational product at 15Z, 16 March, 2010. See Service Change Notice (SCN) 10-04 for details.


[2010 Mar 01] CCFP has resumed
Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP) resumed 01 March 2010. See Technical Implementation Notice 10-08 for 2010 changes and other details.


[2010 Feb 11] Enhanced GTG implemented
Enhanced version of GTG was implemented on 11 February 2010. See Technical Implementation Notice 10-03 for details.


2009

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[2009 Dec 11] Aviation Weather Testbed Forum slides available
Briefing Slides from the Aviation Weather Testbed Forum held on November 18-19th, 2009 at AWC, are posted.


[2009 Apr 30] Aviation Weather Community Forum slides available
Briefing Slides from the Aviation Weather Community Forum held on April 14-16 at AWC, 2009 are posted.