The responsibility for managing the National Weather Service (NWS) volcanic ash program will transfer from the NWS Office of Meteorology to the NWS Alaska Region on October 1, 1998. The point of contact in the Alaska region for related issues is Mr. Lee Kelley (Phone 907/271-5132 or e-mail Lee.Kelley@noaa.gov).
Microburst parameters derived from GOES sounder retreivals are now available in ASCII file format. You can access the data files for the most current retreivals from both GOES-8 and GOES-10 at:
http://orbit-net.nesdis.noaa.gov/ora/fpdt1/mb.html
The data coverage over the U.S. is divided into six separate sectors. Due to processing delays, the files are available at hh+30 and are valid for the previous hour. Parameters in the data files include WINDEX, DMPI, CAPE, LI, Lapse Rate, and Max theta-e difference (sfc.-300 mb, sfc.-500 mb).
The NWS has created an official page for Year 2000 (Y2K) plans and issues. The page will be updated regularly at:
http://www.oso1.x3.nws.noaa.gov/y2k
The latest information on congressional actions including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Budget Hearings that affect the NWS are now available and regularly updated on the web at the NOAA Office of Legislative Affairs Homepage:
http://www.legislative.noaa.gov
Peggy Bruehl our NWS representative out at UCAR is developing a software resource library for the Scientific Operations Officers but also for all operational meteorologists. The software tools will help you with visualization and manipulation of meteorological data. Currently one software training module is available for (Shared-X) with more under development. Feel free to point to the following URL for more information:
http://www.comet.ucar.edu/sac/srl/
An online version of "WSR-88D Build 10 Training" is available at:
http://www.osf.noaa.gov/otb/build10
Two hour teletraining sessions will occur at every NWS office. Contact your local NWS forecast office should you desire to attend one of the sessions.
GOESTAP/GOESFAX will officially terminate on September 30,1998. NOAAPORT, the private sector and numerous internet sites will offer superior service in this digital age.
Should you have any questions about GOESTAP/GOESFAX termination contact Ron Gird at email Ron.Gird@noaa.gov.
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