Members of a forecast team evaluate deterministic model output during a typical Spring Experiment.
NOAA’s Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) develops, tests and evaluates severe weather forecasting and warning technology and techniques for the entire United States.
The NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed aims to accelerate the transition of new research and technology into official National Weather Service hazardous weather forecast and warning operations. The HWT carries out its mission through structured experiments during the active spring severe weather season, drawing dozens of researchers and forecasters to the National Weather Center in Norman each year. The experiments are designed to answer the basic question, "What do forecasters need?" The exchange provides forecasters with a first-hand look at the latest research concepts and products, while research scientists gain valuable understanding of the challenges, needs, and constraints of front-line forecasters.
The Experimental Forecast Program — transitioning severe weather and numerical modeling research to improve the Storm Prediction Center’s (SPC) watches and outlooks of hazardous convective weather.
The Experimental Warning Program — transitioning severe weather research and technology to improve the Weather Forecast Office’s (WFO) severe weather warnings for hail, wind, and tornadoes.
GOES-R Satellite Proving Ground — evaluation and transition to forecast operations of emerging geostationary-satellite-data diagnostics in preparation for the next generation of GOES satellites.
Hydrometeorology — transitioning research and technology to improve the Weather Forecast Office’s (WFO) and River Forecast Center’s (RFC) capability to provide timely and accurate flood forecast and warning information.
Social Science Woven Into Meteorology (SSWIM) — innovative applications of social science techniques in order to make the transition to operations even more socially relevant.
Oversight of the HWT is provided by the Joe Schaefer (SPC), Mike Foster (Norman WFO), and Jeff Kimpel (NSSL).
The EWP is managed by David Andra (Norman WFO) and Travis Smith (NSSL). Additional support is provided by Greg Stumpf (NWS/MDL) and Kevin Manross (NSSL).
The EFP is managed by Steve Weiss (SPC) and Jack Kain (NSSL). Additional support is provided by Russ Schneider (SPC) and Mike Coniglio (NSSL).
