National Convective Weather Forecast Product Becomes Operational--Automated Product Updates Every 5 Minutes

On May 8, 2001, NWS and the FAA, as a part of the Aviation Weather Technology Transition Board, approved changing the National Convective Weather Forecast product from an experimental stage to a product which can be used by both meteorologists and end users. This product provides forecasts of significant thunderstorm locations one hour in the future, and is updated every five minutes. This product is currently available on the internet at http://adds.awc-kc.noaa.gov. In the very near future, the NCWF will be available on the Aviation Weather Center's (AWC) operational server at http://www.awc-kc.noaa.gov/. The NCWF supplements convective airman's meteorological information (AIRMETs) and significant meteorological information (SIGMETs) products also produced by the AWC. Mark Andrews, NWS Aviation Services Branch Chief, said this frequently updated product should particularly appeal to private pilots who want a very current, short-term forecast. "Many private pilots don't have the technological capability in the cockpit that airlines enjoy to identify current convective activity, so they have a real interest in knowing the real time and short term future locations of developing storms through the use of the NCWF."

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NWS Telecommuting Pilot Program Underway

NWS's Office of Hydrologic Development (OHD) began a six-month Telecommuting Pilot Program May 7, 2001, for government employees and support contractors. Currently there are seven OHD employees participating in the pilot program and more are expected to join the program during its implementation phase.

This pilot program is in response to Public Law 106-346 which Congress passed last October. The new law requires federal agencies to have policies in place this year to ensure that 25 percent of the eligible workforce be given the opportunity to participate in telecommuting, with an additional 25 percent provided the opportunity each year thereafter. Agencies are working to define the sorts of tasks and work which could be performed via telecommuting. OHD's program is a task-based initiative where employees work on specified tasks (typically "non-people" oriented tasks that last from several weeks to months) at home rather than in the conventional office. These tasks can range from routine software maintenance and debugging to research and report writing. The most important characteristic of these tasks as defined by OHD is that they must be portable and can be performed effectively outside the conventional office setting. Employees in the pilot program must have their own hardware, although particular software can be provided as needed for specific projects. OHD's program is a strictly a home-based initiative (no telecommuting centers are involved in the pilot program) and commuting distance to/from the work site was not considered as a selection criteria for participants.

Participants in the program are required to work at least three days a week in the office. Gary Carter, director of OHD, enthusiastically supports the program. "Implementing this pilot program allows us to uphold federal guidelines and meet the needs of our employees," Carter said. "This program will reduce congestion on the overcrowded roads in the Washington Metro area and provide individuals with family commitments, varied interests, lengthy commutes, lack of access to public transportation, or special needs with new options to complete work assignments in harmony with their diverse lifestyles." For more information, contact Patricia Rust Patricia.Rust@noaa.gov or George Smith George.Smith@noaa.gov in OHD.

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NWS efforts to invite members of Congress to visit local NWS offices continue. The latest example: Rep. Charles W. Stenholm (Texas, 17th Congressional District) visited the NWS Forecast Office in San Angelo, TX, on May 4, 2001. He attended the dedication of the office several years ago and was invited to return for a tour and demonstration of improved technological capabilities resulting from the NWS modernization program. Stenholm's tour included demonstrations of AWIPS and the Console Replacement System, which facilitates NOAA Weather Radio broadcast alerts. MIC Shirley Matejka and WCM Buddy McIntyre also briefed the Congressman on office operations during a tornado event that occurred in his district in April of 2000. Click here for photos of the Congressman's visit.

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Cooperative Observers serving areas in and around Colorado were recognized for their contributions at the Rocky Mountain Weather and Climate Workshop April 21 in Boulder, CO. The workshop was co-hosted by the National Center for Atmospheric Research, NOAA, and the Colorado Climate Center (CCC) at Colorado State University.

Observers from four WFOs attended, some traveling as much as 400 miles at their own expense, according to Nolan Doesken, assistant state climatologist for Colorado, who helped plan the event. From western Colorado, Remy (age 11) and Brevin (age 9) Currier of Collbran were recognized for being the youngest observers, with Jim Andrus from Cortez recognized for coming the greatest distance. Phil Virden from Lake City was also recognized for his interest in astronomy and the work he has done to develop and help nurture the Colorado Rural Schools Caucus. Observers heard several talks from well known scientists on topics relevant to the importance of climate data gathered by volunteers. Charlie Knight welcomed the participants for NCAR and Larry Mooney, MIC for Northern Colorado, welcomed them on behalf of NOAA. Tom Schlatter from NOAA's Forecast Systems Laboratory, gave an overview of Colorado weather, and Kevin Trenberth, NCAR, spoke on global warming and climate. Later in the day at NOAA's David Skaggs Research Center, the group saw a demonstration of AWIPS at NOAA's Forecast Systems Lab, toured the Solar Forecast Center, a department of the NCEP Space Environment Center, and had an opportunity to view the Boulder WFO's efforts during a busy weather day. A lunch was sponsored by Merle Lord and State Farm Insurance of Cañon City, CO. Lord is a longtime weather enthusiast. Though not a Cooperative Observer, Lord has been a great supporter of the Cooperative Program, according to Becky Klenk of the Grand Junction WFO, who also attended the workshop.

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FERS, CSRS Employees Can Raise TSP Contribution Percentages

Federal employees contributing to the Thrift Savings Plan have between May 15 and July 1 to take advantage of new contribution percentage limits. For FERS employees investing a percentage of their pay, the new limit is 11 percent up to a maximum annual limit of $10,500. CSRS employees may raise their investments in the TSP to a maximum of 6 percent. For details, see the Thrift Savings Plan web site http://www.tsp.gov or the Employee Express web site http://www.employeeexpress.gov. You can change your TSP investment percentage through Employee Express by phone at 1-800-827-6281 (have your PIN ready) or through the web site using certain secure web browsers and your PIN. See the May 4 issue of NOAA's NWS Focus for details on other Thrift Savings Plan news.

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Paducah MIC Earns Honors From Administrative Professionals Group

Beverly Poole, Paducah MIC, was honored in April by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) as the 2001 Executive of the Year by the Paducah-Kentucky Lake Chapter. Poole was the second woman honoree since the chapter was chartered in 1966. Selection criteria include accomplishments in the nominee's profession, accomplishments in the community, and support of IAAP. Poole was nominated by her Administrative Support Assistant, Debbie Hooper. Hooper became the chapter's new president May 15, 2001.

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Ask A Meteorologist

The staff of WFO Goodland, KS, is improving the level of customer service provided to its users by adding a section to their homepage called "Ask A Meteorologist." This feature allows web browsers to submit general questions to NWS staff members. Submitted questions have ranged from requests for information on how to become a meteorologist and requests for help with school projects, to questions like "Why snow is white?" or "How can there be thunder, lightning, and snow at the same time?" Questions have come in from all over the United States, as well as Egypt and Australia. The entire staff participates in answering the questions depending on their areas of expertise and, so far, response volume has been a manageable one to two questions per day. The page URL is http://www.crh.noaa.gov/gld/aska.htm.

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