Our Impacts

No matter the meteorological challenge, the goal is the same: to provide information and tools to end users and the broader public to improve safety and health, while saving time and money. From airline pilots, to truck drivers, to energy managers, to healthcare managers, to troops protecting the nation from chemical releases, experts in NSF NCAR’s Research Applications Laboratory are committed to supporting all sectors in meeting meteorological challenges with creative, practical solutions. Here, scientists and engineers innovate solutions that directly serve society.

Featured Impacts

Austin Flooding aerial drone view from high above Colorado River and Red Bud Isle Flood waters with Austin , Texas skyline in the far distance

Developing an Improved Flood Prediction System

WRF-Hydro® has been coupled with coastal models to assess compound flood risk and integrated with data assimilation tools to incorporate remote sensing, streamflow data, and forecasts of reservoir and glacial lake releases.

FastEddy®: A GPU-Accelerated Microscale Model

Saves money, power and time with this LES modeling method. FastEddy® offers a powerful tool for microscale operational, educational, and more comprehensive research applications.

New Delhi skyline shrouded by air pollution

Forecasting Unhealthy Air Quality for New Delhi

The air pollution in New Delhi is extremely high and poses a tremendous health threat. This pollution can become so extreme that city officials close schools, bans construction activities, and restricts traffic on highly polluted days. A recent study in Lancet found that fine particulates and other pollutants may have caused more than 1 million deaths in India in 2017 and reduced life expectancy of Delhi residents by ~6.5 years.