Weather Forecasting and Applied Meteorology Flashcards

What is the Global Forecast System (GFS) and who operates it?

Answer: A global NWP model operated by NOAA/NWS for weather prediction out to 16 days

The GFS is NOAA's operational global NWP model, producing forecast guidance out to 16 days at ~13 km horizontal resolution.

Aviation weather forecasts use which product to describe expected conditions at an airport over 24–30 hours?

Answer: TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)

A TAF is a standardized aviation forecast for conditions within 5 statute miles of an airport, valid for 24–30 hours.

A SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) advises pilots of what?

Answer: Hazardous meteorological conditions affecting aircraft safety (severe turbulence, icing, volcanic ash)

SIGMETs are urgent weather advisories warning pilots of non-convective hazards including severe turbulence, severe icing, volcanic ash, and tropical cyclones.

What is a Weather Watch vs. Warning distinction in NWS severe weather products?

Answer: A Watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather; a Warning means severe weather is occurring or imminent

NWS Watches indicate conditions are favorable for severe weather development, while Warnings indicate severe weather is imminent or occurring.

Fire Weather forecasting focuses on what combination of variables?

Answer: Wind speed, relative humidity, temperature, and fuel moisture for wildfire risk

Fire weather forecasting integrates wind, relative humidity, temperature, and fuel moisture to assess wildfire ignition and spread potential.

What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale used to classify?

Answer: Hurricane intensity by maximum sustained wind speed (Categories 1–5)

The Saffir-Simpson scale classifies hurricane intensity into five categories based solely on maximum sustained wind speed.