Internet IM Update, February 13, 1997

Approval of Advanced Weather Interactive Processing Systems

The Secretary of Commerce has approved the National Weather Service's (NWS) plan for production and installation of 21 interactive weather computer and communications systems known as AWIPS. The system allows forecasters to display and analyze satellite imagery, radar data, automated weather observations and computer-generated numerical forecasts all in one workstation.

Over the past year test versions of this workstation were installed at 12 sites around the country for evaluation. The tests demonstrated AWIPS' capabilities, including communication of weather satellite imagery and weather forecast guidance via a satellite broadcast network.

The NWS will install AWIPS at 21 field sites this summer and fall. A decision on the remaining sites is planned for December after completion of an operational test and evaluation of the current software build. A total of 148 AWIPS will be installed.

AWIPS is the integrating technology component of the NWS modernization effort designed to provide the Nation with improved weather services. The 21 AWIPS systems will be installed as follows:

• Eleven systems at modernized weather forecast offices: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota; Bismarck, North Dakota; Hastings, Nebraska; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; New Orleans/Baton Rouge, Louisiana.; State College and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New York City; Portland, Oregon.
• Five systems at River Forecast Centers: Minneapolis, Minnesota; Ft. Worth, Texas; New Orleans/Baton Rouge, Louisiana; State College, Pennsylvania; and Portland, Oregon.
• Two systems at the National Weather Service Training Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
• Three systems at NWS regional headquarters (Central, Western, and Eastern).

More information on AWIPS is available on the Internet at: