Monitoring Extreme Weather Events February 8, 2010
Extensive network of over 800 stations across the Prairies Good coverage across entire agriculture production region Network of networks strategy includes EC, MB government stations (additional 200 stations) 2
Real-Time Comprehensive Solutions Live Observations Weather Bug Real-Time Network Applications Internet Internet Central Data Center Software Tools Automated monitoring and support system Network Ops staff QA/QC system Remote calibration and diagnostics Internet Internet Detailed Tracking and Recording Weather sensors and cameras Lightning + 27 weather parameters Updated every second Network and Repository Captures Real-Time data every second Historical database Redundant data centers Desktop Professional Solutions StreamerRT, Mobile, GIS Data, Plum Modeling, Forecast, Meteorological Support, Education Consumer Desktop, Mobile, Broadcast 3
WeatherFarm objectives Collect and deliver highly localized and timely weather intelligence to farmers Deliver highly valuable crop management tools to farmers, making advanced agronomic decision aids based on accurate, timely and local information accessible to every farmer Build a sustainable and well-maintained network of weather stations that collects and stores very local and timely weather intelligence 4
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Environment Canada Watch and Warnings 6
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WeatherFarm enhancements for 2010-11 Improved short and medium range forecasting Based on the WRF forecast model, using WeatherFarm network of stations for nudging the initial conditions Dynamic mapping content daily and weekly map products. New common mapping platform under development Launch of WeatherFarm mobile weather application access to all realtime weather obs, forecast, watch & warnings. Customizable station and threshold alerts, e.g. relative humidity above 78% and wind speed above 25kph. Display and graphing of additional sensor data including soil moisture and temperature Additional crop models and tools more growing degree day models soil moisture models (Bulletin & Outlooks) crop drying index pest bulletin alerts 8
Enhanced Short and Medium Ranged Forecasts: WeatherBug Data Pre-Processing: 1. Data Ingestion 2. QC of Observations 3. Objective Analysis based on NOAA/NCEP/EC data 4. Nudging using WeatherFarm surface weather data and other observations WRF-based modeling core Resolution Physics Forecast Integration Data Post- Processing 9-9-
Forecasting Products updated 4 times a day 10
Hourly Forecasting based on WeatherFarm data 11
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Mobile & Alert Applications WeatherFarm Station Alert 13
StreamerRt 14
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Storm Track Storm Cell and Vector Lightning Stroke Data Dangerous Thunderstorm Alert Zoomed in on severe storm activity in the U.S. plains ~ 8:00pm MDT, June 6, 2010. Shown on display NWS Warning Boxes, WTLN Lightning Stroke Data, Storm Cell Tracks, Storm Cells, Storm Cell Vectors and WTLN Dangerous Thunderstorm Alerts 16
Click Details for more information View of storm cell information cell area, location, track, speed and lightning rate information 17
Data can be exported Storm tracks and alerts can be animated in Google Earth Clicking on details you get a minute by minute display of storm cell lightning activity. Here you can see where this storm cell strengthened significantly around 8:10pm MDT 18
WeatherFarm Applications & Benefits Installation of weather stations, cameras and other sensors at selected sites Comprehensive and sustainable network of weather stations and software including maintenance, repair and support Access to all real-time and QA/QC historical data for customer inquiries, best management practices and insurance applications Multi-use weather network for government and commercial interest Access to WeatherFarm is free for farmers about 10,000 users Partnership opportunities branding, delivery of models, new model development, mobile & alerting applications, delivery of existing content 19
Questions? For further information contact: guy_ash@cwb.ca Visit: WeatherFarm.com 20