Operations

The 4DWX real-time Four-Dimensional Data Assimilation (RTFDDA) and forecast system was engineered to support DTRA mission in 7 by 24 mode. The system generated real-time four-dimensional, dynamically consistent, multi-scale analyses by incorporating all available observations into the full- physics MM5 system. Four nested meshes were employed to provide multi-scale analyses and forecasts, and the finest mesh has a resolution of 1.3 km and covers all Olympic game venues. Data from special stations set for the Olympics support were incorporated into the system along with all other weather report. Fifteen-hour forecasts were produced every 3 hours for all domains. The system had been running successfully throughout the Olympic period between Feb. 6 and Mar. 16, 2002 and the system product availability was over 99% of the time period.