NORMAN — The latest version of an innovative and reliable suite of weather forecasting and monitoring software became operational at the National Weather Service this week, marking years of continual improvements for the state-of-theart system.
The Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor system, which integrates data from radar, satellite, rain gauges, lightning networks and weather forecast models, has been a key tool that NWS forecasters have relied on in extreme weather events since 2014. MRMS was developed and has been maintained by researchers at NOAA’s Cooperative Institute at the University of Oklahoma in collaboration with the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. It is constantly being updated with new scientific advancements. Before these are transitioned into service they are extensively tested to ensure only the highestquality data reaches forecasters. MRMS now has 135 different products and tools in operation at the NWS.
The new version, features updates relating to radar processes as well as advancements to severe weather and precipitation product algorithms, said Steven Martinaitis, senior researcher at OU’s Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations. Even as MRMS v12.3 is launched, CIWRO scientists are already reviewing the performance of various products within MRMS to investigate ways to further enhance the technology for the next update.
A major strategy being explored by CIWRO researchers is testing new cutting-edge science for better prediction of flash flooding events like those across the United States this summer.
“The MRMS system and its companion Flooded Locations and Simulated Hydrographs, or FLASH, system have provided key information on precipitation estimates, rainfall analyses, and flash flood predictability. The technology has been there when our partners at the National Weather Service have needed that critical information the most,” Martinaitis said.
“Highly trained forecasters combining the MRMS and FLASH data with their experience, and integrating data into their warning decision-making process helps build that confidence on when and where to issue a warning. We constantly evaluate how systems performed and what areas can be improved upon,” he said.