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Implement the DeepCTM to enhance the performance of the National Air Quality Forecast Capability

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This project will integrate DeepCTM, an advanced machine-learning model that emulates traditional chemical transport models (CTMs), into NOAA’s operational National Air Quality Forecast Capability (NAQFC). The goal is to improve the speed, accuracy, and resolution of air quality forecasts at both national and global scales. Additionally, the model generates sensitivity information that helps adjust key…

A participant looks at an AWIPS display showing radar and satellite data at the Hazardous Weather Testbed at the National Weather Center in Norman, OK. Photo Credit: NOAA NSSL

Testbeds Program FY25 Awards

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NOAA testbeds bring mature research into an operations-like environment, allowing forecasters and researchers to test and demonstrate products in real-world conditions to fine-tune tools and methods for operational use. The FY25 NOFO supported five testbeds: Climate, Fire Weather, Hazardous Weather, Hurricane and Ocean, and Hydrometeorological. The priorities for each were: Project Title Principal Investigators Project…

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Synoptic Program FY25 Award

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The Synoptic Program focused on air quality research and forecasting in its FY25 NOFO. It prioritized the following capabilities: Project Title Principal Investigators Project Description Implement the DeepCTM to Enhance the Performance of the National Air Quality Forecast Capability Jia Xing, University of TennesseeYouhua Tang, George Mason University Integrate DeepCTM — a cutting-edge machine-learning model…

Differential reflectivity radar map showing varying particle shapes within a storm system over geographic borders.

Observations Program FY25 Awards

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The Observations Program had four main priorities in its FY25 NOFO. It sought projects to develop and demonstrate the following: Project Title Principal Investigators Project Description Hazard Focus Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SMFR) Calibration and Re-Calibration Tool Zorana Jelenak, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research/Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (UCAR/CPAESS) SFMR units…

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Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Program FY25 Awards

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Saving lives and protecting property requires that people not only receive accurate weather information in a timely manner, but that they also take protective actions with that information. Effectively addressing societal impacts from hazards like hurricanes, floods, winter storms, tornadoes, and wildfire, requires coupling advances in weather prediction and forecasting with understanding how the American…

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Joint Technology Transfer Initiative Program FY25 Awards

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The FY25 Joint Technology Transfer Initiative (JTTI) portfolio covered a wide range of priorities, from improving forecast models and data assimilation systems to enhancing prediction of high-impact weather events and advancing next-generation forecasting tools. Each project supports the broader goal of strengthening NOAA’s Unified Forecast System (UFS) and delivering more accurate, timely, and actionable information…

Satellite view of a massive atmospheric river plume extending from the Pacific Ocean toward the West Coast of North America.

Subseasonal to Seasonal Program FY25 Awards

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The Subseasonal to Seasonal (S2S) Program had three primary focus areas in its FY25 NOFO: Project Title Principal Investigators Project Description Hazard Focus Know, Explore, Improve: Hypothesis-Driven Development of the UFS Benjamin Cash, George Mason University The Unified Forecast System (UFS) Seasonal Forecast System (SFSv1) is being developed by NOAA to replace the aging CFSv2…

A leap forward in wildfire prediction: Integrating the community fire behavior model into the Unified Forecast System for next-generation fire-atmosphere simulations

Funded Projects

This article was jointly written between the Earth Prediction Innovation Center (EPIC) and NSF NCAR. The increase in the frequency of drought and hot-dry-windy conditions over the last several decades, combined with the continued expansion into the wildfire-urban interface region, has led to a marked increase in the number of acres burned by hazardous wildfires.…

Fire Weather FY24 Awards

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WPO funds work to advance our understanding of fire weather to improve forecasts of fire behavior and smoke for the public. The projects selected in this competition address the evolution of active fires and smoke, data assimilation of atmospheric and terrestrial conditions, new or improved physics parameterizations, and fire weather forecast system testing and verification.…