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HRRR model goes operational at NOAA

Our forecasters have used and reference the HRRR model for a number of years now. You’ve likely seen it referenced in our posts, displayed on our graphics, and shared on our social media accounts. Our forecasters have used it for near-term forecasting, even in mesoscale events such as thunderstorms and heavy snow bands. Yesterday, NOAA finally let the HRRR out of its box with the model becoming officially operational. The model will run hourly on the NOAA server from now on, with faster graphic and product production. The model is expected to become a tremendous source of information not only for forecasters, but for hobbyists and public alike.

Known formerly as the High Resolution Rapid Refresh model, the model runs every hour and produces forecasts at 15 minute intervals, extending out to 15 hours. A tremendous amount of forecast products are produced, ranging from simulated radar to frontogenic forcing at multiple levels. The model also is a significant upgrade in resolution when compared to the more popular NAM model, and even increases resolution by four times over it’s closest companion, the Rapid Refresh (RAP) model, which had been the NOAA’s only hourly high resolution model running until yesterday.

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