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SPC Mesoscale Analysis Pages  (National Sector Archive | Mobile Version)
Click here to view a multimedia introduction of the Mesoanalysis Pages. (5.8MB)
Northwest Southwest Central Plains Northern Plains Southern Plains Midwest East Central Northeast Southeast National

These 10 fixed sectors can be used to see regional gridded mesoanalysis data across the United States. This information is provided by SPC as a way of sharing the latest severe weather diagnostic techniques with local forecasters.

The SPC runs a comprehensive surface objective analysis scheme called SFCOA. The system runs at the top of each hour, using the latest 40km RAP forecast grids as a first guess. Next, the surface data is merged with the latest RAP forecast/analysis upper-air data to represent a 3-dimensional current objective analysis. Finally, each gridpoint is post-processed with a sounding analysis routine called NSHARP to calculate many technical diagnostic fields related to severe storms.

Here is more information about the mesoscale analysis page and a detailed description of the parameter fields.

These new mesoscale analysis pages, implemented during the Spring of 2010, incorporate the use of layered transparent images and a javascript display system. They have been thoroughly tested for compatibility with modern web browsers. Nevertheless, if you experience problems viewing these pages, please send an email using the link below.

Summary of changes on February 25, 2014: The NCEP RAPv2 became the operational RAP model and now provides background conditions for the Mesoscale Analysis. The previous option to display experimental ESRL RAPv2-based Mesoanalysis fields is no longer available.

Summary of changes in March 2012:

  • The page design has been slightly re-organized, moving the overlay/underlay select buttons from the bottom to the side. We had received input from various users that the buttons were off the screen in some browsers making it hard to access without scrolling.
  • Current SPC Products are now displayed in a window at the lower-right of the page. These are auto-updated, and are specific to the sector you are viewing. Most entries have mouseover popup images of the products. This will hopefully facilitate better situational awareness as new products are issued.
  • A Trends/Forecast section has been added. This allows the user to view trends in the parameter being examined, and even project the data into the future for selected parameters. The images are viewed when you mouseover the selected past/forecast hour. Past images are of the SfcOA system, while future images are based on RAP model output. Another use for this function is to compare the SfcOA Analysis of a selected parameter to the RAP forecast for the same parameter at 00H. This may provide useful information regarding the performance of the model.

    Due to the increasing demand of information by mobile users, an additional interface has been created which provides much of the same data, but through an interface requiring less bandwidth. The mobile page utilizes php to resize the original images, such that they are much more easily retrievable by devices such as smartphones.

    An archive of mesoanalysis graphics continues to be maintained with the implementation of the new mesoanalysis interface. The information is provided on a CONUS scale with data availabilty from 2005 to present.

    Summary of changes on May 1 2012: Rapid Refresh (RAP) model has replaced RUC model at 12Z, May 1, 2012.

    Contacts for this resource include: John Hart, Patrick Marsh, Matt Mosier, and Rich Thompson.



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