results of the annual global monitoring … iv/wg-piw iii, p.i agenda 1. opening of the session 2....

WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION=====================================

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION IV

WORKING GROUP

ON PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION

OF THE WWW IN REGION IV

THIRD SESSION

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

10-14 APRIL 2000

FINAL REPORT

RA IV/WG-PIW III, p.i

AGENDA

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION

2.1 Adoption of the agenda2.2 Other organizational questions

3. REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP

4. CONSIDERATION OF THE DECISIONS OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF RAIV, CBS EXTRA-ORDINARY SESSION (1998), THIRTEENTH CONGRESSAND EC-LI INCLUDING REQUIREMENTS FOR WWW SUPPORT TO OTHERPROGRAMMES

5. STATUS OF WWW IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION

6. REGIONAL ASPECTS OF THE WWW COMPONENTS AND SUPPORTFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING REPORTS BY THE RAPPORTEURS/CO-ORDINATOR

6.1 Global Observing System (GOS)6.2 Global Telecommunications System (GTS)6.3 Global Data-processing System (GDPS)6.4 WWW Data Management (DM), including Codes6.5 Operational Information Service (OIS)6.6 Technical Co-operation activities related to WWW

7. PUBLIC WEATHER SERVICES

8. INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE OF DATA AND PRODUCTS

9. FUTURE WORK PROGRAMME

10. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION

_________

RA IV/WG-PIW III, p.ii

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Mr Patrick Jeremiah Meteorological OfficeV.C. Bird International AirportPO Box 1051Antigua, West IndiesTel. 1 268 462 3229Fax 1 268 462 4606 / 462 0642E-mail [email protected]

Mr Arthur W. RolleMr Kenneth Lightbourne

Department of MeteorologyP.O. Box N-8330NASSAUBahamasTel. 809 377 3701Fax 809 377 3314E-mail [email protected]

kll.met@ batelnet.bs

Mr Chester Layne Barbados Meteorological ServiceGrantley Adams International AirportCHRIST CHURCHBarbadosTel. 1 246 428 09 10Fax 1 246 428 16 76E-mail [email protected]

Mr Tyrone Sutherland Caribbean Meteorological OrganizationP.O. Box 461PORT OF SPAINBritish Caribbean TerritoriesTel. 1 868 624 44 81Fax 1 868 623 36 34E-mail [email protected]

Mrs Angele SimardMr Louis Lefaivre

Canadian Meteorological Centre2121 North Services Road (Suite 200)Trans Canada HighwayDorvalQuebec H9P IJ3CanadaTel. 514 421 4765Fax 514 421 4703E-mail [email protected]

Tel. 514 421 4659Fax 514 421 4657E-mail [email protected]

RA IV/WG-PIW III, p.iii

Mr Jorge A. Zea Mazo Instituto de Hidrologia, Meteorologia yEstudios AmbientalesDiagonal 97 17-60, Piso 7Santa Fe de BogotaBOGOTAColombiaTel. 635 6007 Ext 721Fax 635 6223E-mail [email protected]

Mr Guillermo VegaMr Mario Sanchez

Instituto Meteorologico NacionalApartado 55831000 San JoseCosta RicaTel. 506 222 56 16Fax 506 223 18 37E-mail: [email protected]:

Dr José Rubiera Torres Instituto de MeteorologiaApartado 17032HabanaCubaTel. 537 570708Fax 537 33 80 10E-mail [email protected]

Mr W. Shillingford Met. Office, Cane Field AirportDominicaTel. 1 7674482401 Ext 3447Fax 1 7674492020E-mail [email protected]

Mr Luis Rodriguez Oficina Nacional de MeteorologiaApartado 1153, Santo DomingoDominican RepublicTel. 1 809 596 9168Fax 1 809 594 8844E-mail [email protected]

Mr Ricardo Zimmermann Servicio Meteorologico e HidrologicoApdo 2265, Centro de GobiernoSan SalvadorEl SavadorTel. 503 294 47 50Fax 503 294 47 50E-mail [email protected]

RA IV/WG-PIW III, p.iv

Mr Charles Mercusot Division exploitation, Météo-FranceDIRAG/Fort-de-France, B.P. 64597262 Fort-de-France CedexFrance / MartiniqueTel. 596 63 99 61Fax 596 63 99 55E-mail [email protected]

Mr Mario Bautista Nacional de Sismologia,Vulcanologia,Meteorologia y Hidrologia7a av. 14-57 Zona 13.Ciudad de GuatemalaTel. 502 3314897, 3314967Fax 502 3315005E-mail [email protected]

Mr Hector Flores Calix Direccion General de Aeronautical CivilServicio Meteorologico NacionalApartado 30145TEGUCIGALPAHondurasTel. 504 2331114 / 2338075Fax 504 233 8075E-mail [email protected]

Mrs Sylvia McGill Meteorological ServiceP.O. Box 103KINGSON 10JamaicaTel. 876 929 3694Fax 876 960 8989E-mail [email protected]

Mr David Esparza Villasana Av. Observatorio No. 192Col Observatorio11860 MexicoMexicoTel. 505 626 86 50 / 505 2492755Fax 505 626 86 95 / 505 2331610E-mail [email protected]

Mr P.Trappenberg Meteorological Service NetherlandsAntilles and ArubaSeru Mahuma z/nCURACAONetherlands AntillesTel. 599 9 8393364Fax 599 9 8683999E-mail [email protected]

RA IV/WG-PIW III, p.v

Mrs M. Castro Mejia Institito Nicaraguense de EstudioTerritorialAparatdo Postal 2110ManaguaNicaraguaTel. 505 2 49 69 86Fax 505 2 49 18 90E-mail [email protected]

Mr David Farnum Instituto de Recursos Hidraulicos yElectrifcacionApartado 5285PANAMA 5PanamaTel. 507 2272742Fax 507 2259516E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

Mr Bruno Lamontagne Meteorological ServiceMinistry of Communications, Works,Transports and Public UtilitiesBridge StreetCASTRIESSt. LuciaTel. 1 758 453 27 70Fax 1 758 453 27 69E-mail

Mr Eli Henry Meteorological Service DivisionRawinsonde BuildingPiarco International AirportPIARCOTrinidad and TobagoTel. 1 868 669 5465Fax 1 868 669 4009E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

Mr James Fenix NOAANational Weather Service1325 East West HighwaySilver SpringMARYLAND 20910USATel. 1 301 713 0877 x129Fax 1 301 608 0911E-mail [email protected]

RA IV/WG-PIW III, p.vi

Mr Jose Orozco Teran Servicio de Meteorologia de la FuerzaAérea (FAV)Apartado de Correos 2197Avenida BolivarEdificio el Prado No. 75, Edo. AraguaMARACAYVenezuelaTel. 58 43 33 82 97Fax 58 43 33 80 43E-mail [email protected]

WMO Secretariat

Mr D. Schiessl Director, Basic Systems7 bis, avenue de la Paix, C. P. No. 2300CH-1211 GENEVA 2SwitzerlandTel. 41 22 730 8369Fax 41 22 730 8021E-mail [email protected]

Mr Jean-Michel Rainer Chief, Telecom. and Monitoring7 bis, avenue de la Paix, C. P. No. 2300CH-1211 GENEVA 2SwitzerlandTel. 41 22 730 8219Fax 41 22 730 8021E-mail [email protected]

Mr O. Arango Botero Officer, Sub-regional office for NorthAmerica, Central America and theCaribbeanSan JoséCosta RicaTel. (506) 258 23 70E-mail [email protected]

RA IV/WG-PIW III, p. 1

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION (agenda item 1)

1.1 At the kind invitation of the Government of the Dominican Republic, the third session of theWorking Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW in Region IV was held in SantoDomingo, in the hotel V Centenario Inter-continental from 10 to 14 April 2000. Mr T. F. Arredondo,Director of the National Meteorological Service and Permanent Representative of the DominicanRepublic with WMO, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Government of the DominicanRepublic. He underlined the importance of meteorological services in his country, and said that hisgovernment was particularly pleased and honoured to host this session and the Hurricane Committeesession. He wished participants a successful meeting as well as a nice stay in the DominicanRepublic.

1.2 On behalf of the Secretary-General of WMO, Mr. J.-M. Rainer welcomed all participants at themeeting. He thanked the Government of Dominican Republic and the National MeteorologicalService for hosting this third session of the Working Group on Planning and Implementation of theWWW in Region IV, and for the excellent facilities provided. He said that the World Weather Watch isthe fundamental programme of WMO which supports all other WMO programmes, including theTropical Cyclone programme of utmost importance in Region IV, which will be reviewed in details atthe Hurricane Committee session that will immediately follow. He indicated that the status ofoperation of the WWW in the region was generally satisfactory, but needed improvement andupgrades in some parts of the region. He outlined the work that was expected from the session, byreviewing the actual implementation of WWW components in details and developing proposals forovercoming deficiencies and optimizing the regional aspects of the WWW. He wished the meetingevery success, and wished the participants a pleasant stay in Santo Domingo.

1.3 There were 26 participants from 23 Members of RA IV. A list of participants is given at thebeginning of the report.

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION (agenda item 2)

2.1 Adoption of the Agenda (agenda item 2.1)

The session adopted the agenda as reproduced at the beginning of the report.

2.2 Other organisational questions (agenda item 2.2)

Since the designated chairman of the Working Group on Planning and Implementation of theWorld Weather Watch in Region IV could not attend the session, Mrs A. Simard (Canada) had acceptedto chair the session. The participants expressed their appreciation and gratitude for this effort.Simultaneous English and Spanish interpretation was provided. The pre-session and in-session (i.e.draft report) documentation was available in English and Spanish. The session agreed on its workinghours.


3 REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP (agenda item 3)

In the absence of the designated chairman, the session reviewed the activities of the WorkingGroup since the twelfth session of RA IV through the reports of the Co-ordinator and Rapporteurs.Particular matters were considered under the relevant following agenda items.

4 CONSIDERATION OF THE DECISIONS OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF RA IV, CBSEXTRA-ORDINARY SESSION (1998), THIRTEENTH CONGRESS AND EC-LI INCLUDINGREQUIREMENTS FOR WWW SUPPORT TO OTHER PROGRAMMES (agenda item 4)

4.1 The Session reviewed the main decisions of the twelfth session of RA IV, CBS Extraordinarysession (1998), Thirteenth Congress and Executive Council. Attention was drawn to the decisionsand recommendations relating to the implementation of the WWW in the Region. The working groupnoted that the Regional Association, CBS and Congress had reaffirmed the importance of the WWWas the basic programme of the Organization and agreed that its further development should continueto have the highest priority. Detailed discussion on the implementation by the working group of thedecisions of the WMO constituent bodies relating to observing networks, data-processing andtelecommunication systems as well as WWW data management and Public Weather Services tookplace under appropriate agenda items. The session considered among others one particular issue,which requires specific attention of the working group – the new structure of the CBS.

Working Structure of CBS

4.2 The working group was informed that following the request of the forty-eighth session of theExecutive Council (June 1996) to study the most effective way of organising the working structure ofCBS, the CBS, at its extraordinary session (October 1998), adopted Resolutions 2 and 4 (CBS-Ext.(98)) regarding the new working structure of the Commission. In the new structure, the Commissionhas grouped the programmes for which it has the technical responsibility in four « ProgrammeAreas »: Integrated Observing Systems (IOS), Information Systems and Services (ISS), DataProcessing and Forecasting Systems (DPFS) and Public Weather Services (PWS). OpenProgramme Area Groups (OPAGs) have been established to look after the activities under four areas.At present, the four OPAGs have registered more than 300 members. Members of OPAGs wereexpected to work and receive information by correspondence. The main tool for the information flowis the CBS Newsletter issued quarterly to more than 400 individuals via e-mail and to some 280addressees via regular mail. The Newsletter reports regularly on the work of CBS, the AdvisoryWorking Group and the teams (see below), including organisational matters, meetings/conferencesand publications. The working documents and the final reports of the meetings are put on the WMOWeb server. Each member is invited to provide views, comments, concerns or criticism to the contactperson listed in various sections of the Newsletter.

4.3 The group was also informed that the task defined by CBS were carried out through two typesof teams: Expert Teams (ETs) that are mainly based on expertise for developing proposals andsolutions to scientific/technical problems, and Implementation/Co-ordination Teams (ICTs) that aremainly based on regional representation to focus on co-ordinating operational implementationaspects. The session was pleased to note that regional representation in ICTs was successfully madethrough the nomination of Co-ordinators and Rapporteurs as members of ICTs of the relevantOPAGs.

4.4 The session recognised that the new working structure has the potential to facilitate anincreased involvement of developing countries both in terms of direct interaction with the various


teams and their working results, and in terms of a bigger number of experts participating in sessionsof the Commission. It noted that the latter aspect was a difficulty experienced by all technicalcommissions, not only by CBS, and was being addressed by several WMO bodies. As regards CBS,the session was especially pleased that Cg-XIII now provided the necessary provisions for theparticipation of the chairpersons of the Regional WGs on the WWW in CBS sessions as invitedexperts. It further welcomed that CBS was in recent years attaching technical conferences to itssessions. Aside from the important scientific/technical value and the capacity building element ofsuch conferences, this was seen as a good method to facilitate the participation of more experts fromdeveloping countries to sessions of the Commission.

4.5 The direct interaction of all interested experts with the work of the CBS teams was mainlyrealised through the use of the Internet. Through this a large number of experts world-wide were ableto gain access to the working documents and final reports of the teams, and to carry out a dialoguebetween the chairpersons, their team members and other interested experts. The sessionencouraged all Members in the Region, who have not already done so, to install an Internetconnection in their Services, and, where this was not possible due to lack of funds, to address arequest for the corresponding assistance to WMO, e.g., under the VCP programme.

4.6 The session noted the much-improved flow of information from CBS through the Internet tothe members and the wealth of corresponding information made available on the WMO Web server.It was however mentioned that nearly all that information is provided in English only, in particular thefinal reports of meetings of the CBS teams. The session urged to make some of this information alsoavailable in other working languages. To this end, and while noting the limited resources available forthis work, it encouraged to study new concepts, such as the production of short summaries(abstracts) of teams reports in all the WMO working languages as a regular service and trials withcomputer-automated translations. In this regard, the session noted with interest that the US NWS wasimplementing, on an experimental basis, an automatic translation software using a tailoredmeteorological dictionary for providing a draft spanish version of the web server information, uponselection from the user.

5. STATUS OF WWW IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION (agenda item 5)

5.1 Under this item, the session reviewed the general status of WWW implementation andoperation of key facilities, based on information received from Members, and results of the monitoringof the operation of the WWW, including the annual global monitoring (October 1999). The detailedstatus of implementation and operation of WWW components were reviewed under item 6.

Annual global monitoring of the operation of the WWW

5.2 The Secretariat received results of the 1999 annual global monitoring from 95 WMO Members. 12Members from Region IV provided monitoring results. Five RA IV Members provided monitoring resultson electronic media (diskettes or Internet). The session encouraged the participation of centres locatedin Region IV in the exchange of monitoring results on electronic media. It urged all NMCs to makeevery effort to participate in the monitoring exercises, at least by monitoring their national observationaldata.

5.3 The session noted with appreciation the analysis of the monitoring results prepared by theSecretariat which included various bar diagrams, maps and tables providing a general comparisonbetween Regions and with previous years, as well as a detailed regional analysis of the availability ofSYNOP, TEMP, CLIMAT and CLIMAT TEMP reports at NMCs and at the WMC/RTH, including their


geographical distribution in the region. The meeting reviewed the analysis of the results of the 1999annual global monitoring of the operation of the WWW. Table A is a condensed summary of theseresults.

Table A

Type of data Reports received from1 to 15 October 1999

at MTN centres

Reports expectedto be prepared*

SYNOP 83% 90%Part A of TEMP 84% 91%CLIMAT 71% 80%CLIMAT TEMP 60% 46%

* At stations implemented according to WMO-No. 9, Vol. A (the percentages are calculated with theRBSN as the reference)

5.4 The meeting noted that the availability of SYNOP reports and of parts A of TEMP reports wasrelatively satisfactory while that of CLIMAT and CLIMAT TEMP reports was less satisfactory. There wasa slight increase in availability of SYNOP but a slight decrease in the availability of TEMP reports in1998 and 1999 compared to the previous years. As regards the timeliness of the reception on the MTN,81, 82 and 83 per cent of the required SYNOP reports were available on the MTN within one hour, twoand six hours, respectively, after the time of observation; 83 and 84 per cent of the required TEMPreports were available on the MTN within two and twelve hours, respectively, after the time ofobservation. These results indicate an efficient data-collection via the RMTN in the region.

5.5 The availability of reports was not homogeneous within the Region and the session noted withconcern the list of silent stations (see annex to this paragraph) from the RBSN for which SYNOP (39stations) or TEMP (8 stations) reports were not received by any WWW centre during the monitoringperiod from 1-5 October 1999. There were areas, especially in the southern part of the Region, fromwhere the availability of reports was not satisfactory:

• No SYNOP reports were received from Clipperton, Cuba, Dominica, Haiti and Venezuela (Isla LasAves). Less than 50 per cent of the expected SYNOP reports were received from Bahamas, Belize,Colombia (San Andres and Providencia Islands), El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua,Panama, Saint Lucia, and St Maarteen, St Eustatius and Saba.

• No TEMP reports were received from Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaraguaand St Maarteen, St Eustatius and Saba. Less than 50 per cent of the expected TEMP reports werereceived from Bahamas, Costa Rica and Mexico.

5.6 The session was informed in this respect that Cuba had experienced serious software difficultiesfor transmitting bulletins over the RMTN, although national data-collection remained effective, and thatthe problem was solved; that station 78088 from Bahamas had been damaged by an hurricane, andhad been replaced by an automatic station; that station 78907 from Dominica was no longer inoperation, and may be replaced in the RBSN by a nearby station; that St Lucia identified thedeficiencies with station 78947 and was taking remedial action. The session also noted that naturaldisasters that struck several countries in Central America had a serious detrimental impact onobservational networks.


5.7 The session agreed to urge Members concerned to check the status of operation of these silentstations and duly inform the Regional Association through the Secretariat. On the other hand, it notedthe list of stations from which SYNOP and/or TEMP reports were received, although these stationswere not indicated as implemented in Volume A of WMO Publication No. 9. The session invited allMembers to review and update the relevant information included in the WMO Publication No. 9.Noting that there were many discrepancies in the information contained in Volume A, in particular withrespect to the RBSN stations, the meeting strongly expressed the opinion that these persistentshortcomings had demonstrated that the current procedures and mechanisms for maintaining andupdating operational information on observing stations were not adequate. This matter wasdiscussed in more details under item 6.5.

6. REGIONAL ASPECTS OF THE WWW COMPONENTS AND SUPPORT FUNCTIONS,INCLUDING REPORTS BY THE RAPPORTEURS/CO-ORDINATOR (agenda item 6)

6.1 Global Observing System (agenda item 6.1)

6.1.1 The meeting expressed its appreciation to the report of Mr Guillermo Vega (Costa-Rica), theRapporteur on the Regional Aspects of the GOS. It reiterated that the establishment and maintenanceof the RBSN continued to be one of the most important commitments of Members, securing real-timeworld meteorological data exchange over the GTS and meeting essential WWW requirements.

Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN)

6.1.2 In accordance with the decision of the twelfth session of RA IV (Nassau, 1997), the RBSN inRegion IV comprises 514 surface stations, 143 upper-air stations and 25 automatic marine stations.Following standing WWW observational procedures, RBSN surface stations should makeobservations at four main and at four intermediate standard times from 0000 GMT to 2100 GMT,while RBSN upper-air stations should make radiowind and radiosonde observations at 0000 GMT and1200 GMT.

6.1.3 The session noted that the WWW monitoring indicated that 440 stations, i.e. 85,6 % out of thetotal number of RBSN surface stations, were providing more than 50% of expected SYNOP reports.It also noted that there was still a noticeable number of stations (48) providing less than 50% ofexpected reports. The number of “silent” stations practically remained unchanged – 26 stations or 5%of the total number of RBSN surface stations (27 stations were registered in 1998). It noted that gapsin the SYNOP data coverage exist over certain areas in the southern part of the Region.

6.1.4 The availability of upper-air data from the RBSN stations indicated that 119 stations or 84% ofthe total number of RBSN upper-air stations were providing at least 50% of expected reports. Thenumber of stations providing less than 50% of expected TEMP reports continued to be noticeablyhigh, constituting 11 stations or almost 8% of the total number of RBSN stations. The session notedthat the number of “silent” stations, i.e. 11 stations remained unchanged. There were gaps in TEMPdata coverage to be provided by certain RBSN stations in Canada, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras andMexico. The major difficulties experienced especially by developing countries in maintaining reliableimplementation of RBSN stations were due to the high cost of consumables and spare parts, andnegative consequences caused by hurricane Mitch in Guatemala and Honduras. Several participantsindicated that their Service was experiencing serious difficulties and delays in the provision of spareparts and consumables for maintaining radiosonde stations, including for hydrogen generators. Thesession also expressed concern with respect to the reliability of the radiosondes based on Global


Positioning System (GPS) technology and noted with appreciation that the manufacturer wasovercoming the problem.

6.1.5 The meeting considered the results of the evaluation of the RBSN made by the Rapporteurand agreed on the following principles that should be used for compiling the revised list of the RBSNstations:

- The recent monitoring report shows that the availability of SYNOP and TEMP/PILOT reportsfrom RBSN stations in Region IV was relatively satisfactory but could be enhanced in someparts of the region. In order to obtain a better implementing level of the RBSN, the RBSN listshould be updated in the light of density requirement and actual information on theimplementation of stations (Vol. A of WMO Publication No 9);

- The Manual on Global Observing System recommends that the requirements for horizontalresolution for both surface stations and upper-air stations should be 250Km. For surfacestations, denser network is required. The mean distance between two stations should be as150Km for surface, and 250Km for upper-air stations;

- The current RBSN stations, which showed “silence” in the monitoring report, should becarefully considered. If there was another observing station nearby, which has betteravailability of its reports, and the distance between them is less than 100Km, the “silent”station should be excluded from the list. If no better station existed nearby, the “silent” stationwas kept in the RBSN list.

6.1.6 On the basis of above consideration, the session decided that a revised list of the RBSNstations should be prepared by the Rapporteur, taking into account up-dated information andproposed RBSN stations by Members of the Region. The meeting recommended that all Members ofthe region be invited to review the list of their RBSN stations and to propose changes as required.The session invited the Rapporteur, with the assistance of the Secretariat, to compile the newproposed list in co-ordination with Members as needed. The proposed consolidated list of RBSNstations would then be submitted on behalf of the chairman of the working group to the next sessionof RA IV for approval.

GCOS (GSN and GUAN) stations

6.1.7 The session recalled that CBS through its Working Group on Observations provided asubstantial contribution to the design and selection of upper-air and surface stations to the GCOSUpper-Air Network (GUAN) and the GCOS Surface Network (GSN). It noted that both networks havebeen established and presidents of regional associations had approved the lists of GSN and GUANstations. It also noted that CBS-Ext. (98) had adopted a set of recommended best practices for GSNand GUAN stations developed by its former Working Groups on Observations in form of amendmentsto the Manual of the GOS.

6.1.8 The session was informed that the Secretariat had distributed recently among Membersconcerned a circular letter by which the Secretary General invited Members to take specificimmediate actions derived from best practices. The Members were requested in particular to provideCLIMAT messages in a regular and timely manner from GSN stations, to send historical data andmeta-data from GSN stations in appropriate formats to World Centre A for Meteorology, and todevelop national plans for archiving daily data from GSN stations, and as a result to send the dailydata to World Data Centre A for Meteorology. The working group recommended that all RA IVMembers concerned be urged to consider this matter of high importance and to follow the best


practices approved by EC-LI. The working group requested the Rapporteur on Regional Aspects ofGOS to keep this matter under permanent review, in particular, to monitor the availability of CLIMATand CLIMAT TEMP reports from GSN and GUAN stations in Region IV according to the lists given inAnnex. The monitoring should be performed on the basis of results of Specific MTN Monitoring, ofthe reports on the availability and quality of upper-air data from GUAN stations provided by ECMWFand of reports from GCOS monitoring centres in Offenbach (Germany) and Tokyo (Japan). TheRapporteur should then approach the Members of RA IV which have not produced the requirednumber of CLIMAT and CLIMAT TEMP reports with a request to take remedial action. Theseactivities will follow the recommendation of CBS-Ext. (98) that monitoring of the operation of GUANand GSN station in each region should be carried out by the Commission in close collaboration withthe regional working groups.

Other networks, including sea stations

6.1.9 The total number of ships recruited by RA IV Members had again increased for a total of 2291in 1998 compared to 1958 in 1996. However, the number of SHIP reports received at MTN centres inthe region, decreased considerably, to a daily average of 1233 over the 15-day monitoring period inOctober 1999 compared to 3315 in 1996. The session noted that, in partial compensation, there wasa continuing increase in the deployment of other types of sea stations. The total number of activedrifting buoys deployed by operators in two countries in the region increased to 653. In addition, ofcourse, numbers of drifting buoys deployed by operators from countries in other regions were alsoreporting from waters within the region. At the same time, agencies in two countries in Region IV wereoperating, on average, 100 moored buoys within regional waters during 1999. Reports from most ofthese automated sea stations are exchanged on the GTS. In view of the important impact of buoydata on operational meteorology in the region, the session felt that more information should beprovided to NMHSs on the development of drifting and moored buoys, and the relevant observationaldata made available. The session also felt that ships and harbours in the Caribbean should beequipped with automatic weather stations in support to the WWW.

6.1.10 As far as upper air observations are concerned, two United States ships equipped withAutomated Shipboard Aerological Programme (ASAP) units were operational during 1999. Fullyautomated systems under the ASAP are considered as a fully operational component of the WWW,with 15 units being operated during 1999 on ships in several parts of the world, primarily in the NorthAtlantic. The session noted with some concern the limited number of ships equipped with ASAP.

6.1.11 In 1999, 19 ASDAR units were operational, providing an average of 2000 reports per day onthe temperature wind speed, wind direction and turbulence. Overall, the availability, timeliness,resolution and quality produced by ASDAR system remain high and the air reports provide valuableinformation to the numerical weather prediction model. However most of the aircraft carrying ASDARunits fly predominantly between Europe and North America and within these continents. The sessionfelt that it would be useful to convince airlines serving the Caribbean to equip their aircrafts. Thesession also noted the considerable increase (22%) in one and a half year of AMDAR data with about55,000 daily reports and that this volume was expected to be about 150,000 observations per dayover the next five to ten years.

Weather radar network

6.1.12 The session noted that the project of a digital radar network consisting of 5 radars was enteringthe implementation phase in the Caribbean, and that it would be an essential component of theobserving system in the Region. The plan included the preparation and distribution of composite mosaicradar images that would combine the images of these radars as well as the radars in Martinique and


Guadeloupe, and the technical and operational arrangements were under development. The meetingwas also informed that Cuba was upgrading its current meteorological radars.

Space-based subsystem of the GOS available in RA IV

6.1.13 The session noted the status of the Space-based subsystem of the GOS available in RA IV,and in particular the polar-orbiting operational satellites, known as the “NOAA” series, and theGeostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) operated by the United States’ NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As of 1999, in RA IV 17 out of 25 Members wereequipped with low resolution polar-orbiting receivers (APT), and 7 Members with high resolutionpolar-orbiting receivers (HRPT). For the geostationary satellite receivers, 20 out of 25 Members havelow-resolution WEFAX receivers and 5 out of 25 Members have high-resolution receivers. Twenty-one out of 25 Members have at least one geostationary receiver. When considering the WWWimplementation goals, 18 out of 25 Members have at least one polar-orbiting receiver as well as onegeostationary receiver, which was a slight increase since 1995.

6.2 Global Telecommunication System (agenda item 6.2)

6.2.1 The meeting noted with appreciation the report of Mr J. Fenix (USA), Co-ordinator of the Sub-group on the Regional Aspects of the GTS in RA IV. Particular items of his report are considered in thefollowing paragraphs.

Regional Meteorological Telecommunication Network (RMTN)

6.2.2 The Regional Meteorological Telecommunication Network (RMTN) based on two-way multipointtelecommunication services via satellite is operated through the International Satellite CommunicationsSystem (ISCS) by the National Weather Service of the USA. The session noted with appreciation thatall relevant NMCs (except Haiti) were equipped and that the system was fully operational and effective.The two-way VSAT and the associated PC workstations installed at NMCs in RA IV enabled NMHSs tohandle both WAFS and WWW traffic. There was one remaining NMHS within the region to becomeinstalled and that was Haiti. A diagram of the status of implementation of the RMTN is included in theAnnex to this paragraph. A list of all of the NMHSs connected to the satellite based RMTN-IV system,including their contact personnel and phone numbers, was updated.

6.2.3 The session also noted with appreciation that the Y2K upgrades required on the PCworkstations (STAR-IV) were accomplished well in advance of January 1, 2000, including the deliveryof upgrade computers. Additional software modifications were disseminated over the GTS for the firsttime to reach all needed locations directly from RTH Washington, in a joint arrangement with Alden,Inc. There were no significant Y2K problems reported and data flow continued through the yearrollover. Efforts to monitor the system are ongoing and RTH Washington has an active data flow andsite data ingest monitoring operation in place on a 24H/ 7 days basis. The session was informed thatthree additional NMHSs were preparing to join the two-way ISCS system under bilateralarrangements with WMC/RTH Washington which were Ecuador and Surinam in South America, andACMAD in Niger, Africa. They were planned for installation in the 2000 time period. The sessionnoted that these additional connections had not any impact on the operation of the RMTN in theregion.

6.2.4 The session was pleased to note that the ad-hoc group entrusted with the co-ordination of thetransmission programme for the satellite-based RMTN that is composed of Mr Fuller (Belize), Mr A.Capello (Netherlands Antilles & Aruba), the Rapporteur on Data Management, Mr C. Dey (USA) and


the co-ordinator of the Sub-group on the GTS, Mr J. Fenix (USA), continued to carry out its tasks bycorrespondence (E-mail). Several new data and products were inserted on the GTS channels for thebenefit of the region.

6.2.5 WMC/RTH Washington was receiving data from 18 new tide gauges from satellite data-collection units via GOES-8. This data is converted into surface synoptic code form and is beingdisseminated through the GTS RMTN. The RTH Washington greatly appreciated the quality controlwork done by Mr. Carlos Fuller on the data sensor reporting issues and in bringing this project tocompletion. The new headings are SMCA26 KWBC and SICA26 KWBC. It was noted that, while itcould add to the resources at the NMHSs for generating warnings and forecasts within the region, thetide gauges were installed for climate research purposes and would be removed from operation whenthere are risks of severe storms and hurricanes.

6.2.6 The session noted with appreciation the current effort in the development of satellite imageryproducts for dissemination on the RMTN-IV facsimile channel and the adjustments to the facsimilecharts on the WAFS broadcast. The Alden, Inc was developing a modification to the software ingestfor the STAR-IV so that any standard browser used for the Internet GIF or JPG graphics can displaythese imagery products. Four images per day were sent in real time so that Alden, Inc could developthe software. After this is finalised the possibility of transmitting more raw observational data for theRMTN-IV would be analysed. The session was also informed of a study into the possibility atWMC/RTH Washington of generating radar mosaics from the radar observations from the CentralAmerican countries, Mexico, and the Antilles transmitted to the RTH. If there is enough radar data tomake it a useful product it may be generated every hour for inclusion in the RMTN-IV transmission inJPG or GIF.

6.2.7 The satellite-based RMTN is highly reliable and effective, but the session agreed that back-uptelecommunications arrangements were required in certain situations. The meeting underlined thatthe AFTN remained a useful back up for data-collection, and enabled the direct transmission ofobservational data, enveloped in an AFTN message, to RTH Washington. The session also notedwith appreciation that RTH Washington had developed a procedure for the ingestion of messages byfile transfer (FTP) via Internet, and the detailed arrangements and procedures are described in theannex to this paragraph. Internet connectivity available at the NMHS and a file transfer to a serverlocated at the RTH into a directory under prior initial arrangement is all that is required. The sessioninvited all NMCs concerned to consider this possibility, which was efficient and relatively simple tooperate when an Internet access is available at the NMC.

Internet services

6.2.8 The session noted with interest that a major web site had been developed at the RTHWashington. The file and directory name structure was changing to a standard to permit an easiermeans for location of desired data and products. The goal is to make everything available that isreceived by the RTH. All of the global TEMP and surface synoptic data was already on line. The NCEPmodel data were to a great extent also available, however, the file and directory structure was to changein the next three to six months. Detailed descriptions of the new structure would be available on the Webin HTML pages (Check the current URL: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/obsfiles.html). The Web site alsoincludes file servers for accessing various data files. The present URL for the file server can be foundat http://www.nws.noaa.gov/dataprod.html and the server for all U.S. warnings, forecasts, andfacsimile charts are available for viewing at URL http://weather.noaa.gov. This server also containsall marine forecast generated by the special centres of NCEP for the Atlantic, Pacific, and the Gulf ofMexico and portions of the Caribbean. The session noted these capabilities as efficient back up for theRMTN distribution of data and products, and invited NMCs to use these.


6.2.9 The session reviewed the current telecommunication arrangements for the Caribbeanmeteorological offices not equipped with a VSAT (Anguilla, Dominica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts, SaintVincent, and Tortola). These offices dial into a host STAR IV at Barbados or Antigua respectively.These current arrangements are both expensive (international telephone calls are needed) and notefficient since the availability of the dialled connections are not ensured, in particular in a situation ofstorm or hurricane risks when they are badly needed. With respect to observational data collection,the current arrangements, i.e. satellite data-collection units and AFTN back up could be maintained.It was however noted that some satellite data-collection units needed to be repaired.

6.2.10 The session noted with appreciation the offer from RTH Washington to make available webresources (Web Homepages and/or FTP access) on its server for those Member countries within theregion that might need access to data sets for use. The Web resources could be designed to theirspecific data needs. The session agreed that these arrangements would be a cost-effectivecomplement to the current system, along the following outlines:

• The meteorological offices concerned (Anguilla, Dominica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts, SaintVincent, and Tortola) should be equipped with up-to-date PCs enabling performantInternet functions (Browser, FTP);

• The connection of meteorological offices to the respective local Internet Service Providershould be reliable and with a sufficient capacity. The specifications and costs have to benegotiated with the respective local authorities and providers;

• The responsible forecasting centres (Barbados and Antigua) should transfer to RTHWashington via the RMTN/VSAT all the products (warning, forecasts, etc) they arepreparing for insertion into the relevant web server pages or directories;

• The detailed data and products requirements of the meteorological offices concernedshould be established.

6.2.11 The session invited NMHSs concerned, with the assistance and support of the CMO, RTHWashington and the WMO Secretariat to further develop the project with a view to an earlyimplementation. The session noted that the Sustainable Development of Small Island DevelopingStates (SIDS) project for the Caribbean, supported by Finland, could be a source for funding this projectand it invited the Secretariat to take follow-up action in this respect.

GTS techniques and procedures

6.2.12 The session noted the relevant conclusions and recommendations of the Extraordinarysession of CBS (Karlsruhe, 1998) related to GTS techniques and procedures, which have an impacton the implementation and operation of the RMTN of Region IV.

6.2.13 The session recalled that CBS recommended to implement the length of the messages of15000 octets as from 6 November 2000. The meeting noted that WMC/RTH Washington was readyto accept messages longer than the present limit (3800 octets).

6.2.14 WMC/RTH Washington implemented its routing catalogues. WMC/RTH Washington had alsoinitiated the implementation of its part of the comprehensive catalogue of meteorological bulletins(improved Volume C), as decided by CBS-Ext. 98, that consist of the whole region IV, being the singleRTH in the region. Each Member of Region IV shall submit a complete and up-to-date list of bulletinsthey disseminate on the GTS to the RTH Washington for consolidation and submission to WMO. AllNMHSs from the region were kindly requested to submit their information to Mr. Fred Bransky at RTH


Washington via email to: [email protected]. The RTH Washington will consolidate and submitthis information to the WMO Secretariat for inclusion into the improved WMO Volume C.

Radio-frequencies for Meteorological Activities

6.2.15 The 1997 World Radio-communication Conference (WRC-97, Geneva, October-November1997) considered several items of concern for meteorology and had not reduced existing radio-frequency allocations to meteorological aids and meteorological satellites. WRC-97 also decided newregulatory provisions to meet most frequency requirements for meteorological and earth-explorationsatellites, including space borne remote sensing, and for wind profiler radars.

6.2.16 The threat to the radio frequency bands allocated to Meteorological aids (radiosondes), andalso to Met-Sat, is continuing at least until the next World Radiocommunication Conference (2000).The development of new systems (Low-Earth Orbiting satellites- LEOs) of the Mobile Satellite Service(MSS) is exerting pressure for new frequency allocation to MSS below 3 GHz, including in part of theband 401-406 MHz for “little LEOs” and of the band 1675-1690 MHz for “big LEOs”, with a possibleremoval of radiosondes and met-Sat. Any reduction of the bandwidth allocated to the radiosondeswould require the use of more spectrum efficient radiosondes and would lead to an increase on thecosts of the radiosondes. The session noted with particular concern the new threat on the S band(2700-2900 MHz) that is used by meteorological radars in the region, including the new Caribbeanradar network.

6.2.17 The active participation of WMO, including NMHSs experts and the WMO Secretariat, and theeffective co-ordination activities undertaken by the Steering Group on Radio-Frequency Co-ordination(SG-RFC) was instrumental in ensuring that meteorological issues had been recognised andsupported in ITU-R. The meeting stressed the importance that WMO continue informing the NMHSson the question, and that the NMHSs co-ordinate these issues with their national telecommunicationadministration.

6.3 Global Data Processing System (agenda item 6.3)

6.3.1 The session expressed its appreciation for the very comprehensive and analytical report of MrsAngèle Simard (Canada), Rapporteur on the Regional Aspects of GDPS. The main items of her reportare considered in the following paragraphs.

Progress in analysis/forecasting systems

6.3.2 GDPS Centres in the region continued to improve their computing infrastructure andanalysis/forecasting systems. The trend towards increasing model resolution and extending theperiod of validity of forecasts to the longer-range had continued. Both WMC Washington and RSMCMontreal were using 3D-Var assimilation systems. This method allows to directly ingest non-traditional types of measurements such as radiances from satellite data, radar data and others. Effortis continuing into improving these schemes and developing 4D-Var assimilation. More and more,NWP is used to assess the impact of new observing systems and help redesign the observingsystems.

Global and Regional modeling at the Canadian Meteorological Center

6.3.3 At the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC), a single model, the GEM (Global EnvironmentalMultiscale) model, has been introduced into operation. It is used for the generation of NWP forecasts


at all space and time scales. The models are currently run on a NEC SX-4 computer. The Centrehosts a NEC SX-4 supercomputer with 3 nodes, as well as an SX-5.

Medium-range forecasting (0-15 days)The GEM model at 0.9° uniform resolution (~100 km) 28-level is used to produce daily forecasts up to10 days (up to 15 days once a week).

Short-range forecasting system (0-48 hours)In its regional configuration for short range forecasting, the GEM model uses a variable resolution onlatitude-longitude grid having a uniform .22 degree (~24 km) window covering North America andadjacent oceans. Forecasts are performed twice a day up to 48 hours with this configuration.

High Resolution model for very short range forecastA 10km/35 level version of GEM is run once a day for 24 hours over two sub-areas of Canada:Western Canada and upstream waters, and the Great Lakes / Eastern Canada region.

Medium-range Ensemble Prediction SystemA 16-member ensemble prediction system (EPS) is run once a day up to 10 days. The output hasbeen used to generate several products such as spaghetti plots of the 500hPa heights, probability ofprecipitation charts for various thresholds (2,5,10, 25,and more), day to day temperature forecasts,10-day mean temperature. Ensemble outputs are also used to feed the Perfect Prog statisticalpackage to forecast daily maximum/minimum temperatures. These ensemble outputs willeventually be used for probabilistic forecast products in plain language.

Long-range forecasts (seasonal forecasts)Seasonal forecasts are issued 4 times a year (at the beginning of March, June, September andDecember) with lead times up to one year. The method of production differs with the lead times. Adynamical approach (ensemble forecast) is used for the first season, while statistical technique isused for the 3, 6, 9 month lead-time. Maps of above, normal and below temperature and precipitationare produced.

Air quality forecastsA complex 3D advection/diffusion model has been developed to forecast tropospheric ozone, used asguidance for smog forecasts over eastern Canada. The Canadian Hemispheric Regional Ozone andNOX System (CHRONOS) is a Limited Area Model driven by the 48 hour meteorological outputs of theshort-range GEM model. Plans are underway to extend the domain towards western North America.

Global and Regional NWP modeling at NCEP

6.3.4 The following NWP models are run by NCEP/WMC Washington to generate products:

Medium-Range forecasting (0-16 days)Over the last 4 years, several improvements have been made to the operational production suite atthe NWS. The current Medium Range Forecast system is based on the MRF global model. Thenew 786 processors IBM RS/6000 SP supercomputer has become fully operational in the USNWS(NCEP) since January 2000. It has allowed an upgrade of the resolution of the MRF model inJanuary 2000 from T126L28 to T170L42. The MRF is run at T170L42 through day 7 (168 hours),then at T62L28 through day 16. The Aviation run uses the same model, but it is run at T170L42 outto 84 hours four times a day.


Short-range forecasting (0-48 hours)The Mesoscale ETA model runs four times per day (00, 06, 12 and 18 UTC) and is run to 48hours. The model operates at a horizontal resolution of 32 km, and carries 45 levels in the vertical.At the end of March 2000, model runs were extended to 60 hours at 00 and 12 UTC.

Medium-Range Ensemble Prediction SystemNCEP currently runs an ensemble of 17 forecasts up to 16 days using the breeding method. Of allthe graphical products available to the forecaster, the most heavily used is the spaghetti diagram,where a single selected contour of a variable is plotted for each ensemble member. The ensemblemean field is also available to the forecasters. In addition, significant activities are under way inthe areas of regional ensemble prediction systems.

Seasonal ForecastsDynamical forecasts using NWP is one the tools used at the Climate prediction Centre (CPC) sinceJanuary 1995. Dynamical forecasts currently focus on producing seasonal forecasts for surface airtemperature and precipitation over the US with lead times from .5 month to 12.5 months. Theforecasts are run once per month.A coupled general circulation model is run four times each week out to 11 months to producemonthly averaged ensemble sea-surface temperature.The NWP forecasts are issued in the middle of each month. Map of the US temperature andprecipitation forecasts and global 500hPa height forecast anomalies are available on the Internet.The operational products may differ from the dynamical model output as other techniques such asCanonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) and Optimum Climate Normal (OCN), are also used.

Environmental Emergency Response Activities

6.3.5 The two WMO designated centres in RA IV (RSMC Montreal and NOAA`s AtmosphericResources Laboratory in Washington) conduct monthly tests of the operational procedures andprepare the required joint statements for the provision of atmospheric transport and dispersionmodeling products for WMO RA IV. RSMC Melbourne also takes part in these tests since RSMCMontreal and RSMC Washington are backup for WMO RA V. These monthly test in RA IV and V arealso used as a testbed for the development of new approaches to the exchange of electronic files andoutputs in the context of RSMC response. It will also be used as a way to involve more directlyNMHSs. It will help them gain training in EER and demonstrate their role with their respective nationalemergency response organization.

Report from the Implementation/Co-ordination Team on data Processing and ForecastingSystems Meeting, (South Africa, November 1999)

6.3.6 The meeting was informed of the outcome of the ICT meeting held in Pretoria in November99. Major issues discussed at the ICT meeting include the provision of model output as guidance toNMS on the occurrence of severe weather and provision and use of long-range forecasts up to multi-season scale. It stressed the need to refine requirements within RAs. Requirements for NWPguidance to NMS on the occurrence of severe weather have been defined under three categories:

- Centres that have the capabilities to set up their own limited NWP suite but need help inachieving this status;

- Centres that can receive NWP grid point value data and have the means and capabilities todo their own post processing;


- Centres that do not have the means to receive NWP grid point value data but that canreceive either fax, satellite based receiver products or data from a very slow speed line. Thesecentres do not have the ability to post process as they have only static displays. Some ofthese centres have Internet and FTP facilities.

6.3.7 The requirements for Ensemble Forecasting need to be refined on a regional basis, taking intoaccount the different capabilities of NMHSs. It was recommended at the Pretoria meeting that as afirst step the dissemination of Ensemble Forecasting products be done on the basis of individualrequest from NMHSs to centres running them.

6.3.8 It was also emphasized that medium-range forecast cannot be presented in the same way asshort-range forecasts. It was recommended to develop Regional WMO workshops to explain theapproach, its usefulness, and its limitations. The issue of an appropriate infrastructure for theprovision of long-range forecasts was an active concern within several commissions of WMO. Ageneral approach for a Global Long-range Forecasting System has been proposed which includesthree components:

- RSMCs with activity specialization in long-range forecasting providing global and /or broad-scale regional products,

- A second level establishing entities or mechanisms to develop a consensus forecasts,

- NMHSs having ultimate responsibility for preparation and delivery of long-range forecasts.

This approach needs also to recognize the key roles of CCl/CLIPS, the regional associations, and ofinstitutions other than NMHSs specialized in long-range forecasting.

Capacity Building

6.3.9 Several RA I V countries participated in a CBS / ET-ERA Training session for RA IV and Vthat was held in October 1997 in Montréal. A regional training Seminar on the use of GDPS productswith statistical adaptation was held in San José, Costa Rica from 19-23 July 1999. Thirty nineparticipants from 26 countries in RA III and IV attended the seminar. The training expertise wasprovided by Canada, Costa Rica, Cayman Islands and WMO.

WWW Technical Progress Report on the GDPS

6.3.10 Only few GDPS Centres were contributing to the Annual WWW Technical Progress Report onthe GDPS. The session urged all GDPS Centres (RSMCs and NMCs) to contribute to this report as itprovides valuable information on the operational capabilities of the centres.

Future requirements6.3.11 Several countries expressed the need for some training in adapting NWP models to theircountry. There was also some interest in evaluating the skill of stability indices from NWP output.

6.4 Data Management (DM), including Codes (agenda item 6.4)

6.4.1 The meeting expressed its appreciation to Mr C. Dey (USA) Rapporteur on Regional Aspects ofData Management for the comprehensive report, which covered the activity on Data Managementrelated to RA IV.


Data representation

6.4.2 The session stressed that one new data representation form (CREX), a large number ofadditions to code tables, and several modifications to traditional character code forms, includingSYNOP, PILOT and TEMP would be implemented as of 3 May 2000. All NMHSs of Region RA IVwere urged to take any required steps to accommodate them, if not already done. The detaileddocumentation, extracted from the CBS-Ext.98 report, was provided to the participants for ease ofreference.

6.4.3 CREX is a table-driven alphanumeric data representation form and its fundamentalobjective is to serve as a tool to avoid the proliferation of new alphanumeric code forms by permittingthe exchange of observations for which no traditional character code existed and which, for variousreasons, could not be transmitted in BUFR. The session noted that CBS-Ext.(98) recommended thefollowing basic strategies to promote progress on use of CREX, BUFR and GRIB:

(a) Urge WMO Members to use CREX when requirements were identified for new data typesthat were required by Members who did not have the capability to handle binary dataformats (BUFR);

(b) Strongly encourage the use of CREX when new requirements for expansion of traditionalcodes were identified;

(c) Support user requirements and facilitate the use of table-driven data formats wheneverpossible;

(d) Request that new satellite data exchanged on the GTS would be encoded in BUFR orGRIB;

(e) Encourage the development of standard software that was easy to install and use forhandling data in CREX, BUFR or GRIB.

Data Monitoring

6.4.4 The session recognized that current quality monitoring activities conducted by the lead centresdesignated by CBS were working well and generally met their goals, and that such monitoringcontributed to the resolution of deficiencies in the quality of observed data, particularly from upper airand surface stations.

6.4.5 The session was informed of the proposal for revised quantity monitoring procedures beingdeveloped by the CBS/ISS/ Expert Team on Quantity Monitoring. While noting that the revisedprocedures were still in a preliminary stage, the session expressed concern on the significantoverload that would be imposed on NMCs as well as RTHs for implementing and operating these newprocedures. The session recommended to the Expert Team on Quantity Monitoring that a carefulbalance be taken into consideration between the overload imposed by monitoring procedures and theexpected benefits on WWW operation.

6.5 Operational Information Services (OIS) (agenda item 6.5)

6.5.1 The session noted the status of the Operational Information Service (OIS). It agreed thatthe service, by enabling access to data via the Internet in addition to the expanded diskette serviceand printed editions, had ensured better data reliability, timeliness of distribution, and greater flexibilityof dissemination of operational information to Members.


6.5.2 The session noted with serious concern that, despite all the efforts made towards itsimprovement, in particular by the Secretariat, Volume A of WMO Publication No. 9 continued tocontain many discrepancies in the information related to observing stations, including the RBSNstations. The discrepancies affect the geographical information (latitude, longitude, elevation) as wellas the actual implementation of observing programmes, all information that are essential for the useof observational data, in particular for Numerical Weather Prediction. An ad-hoc group wasestablished during the session to consider the issue and suggest possible solutions. The sessionalso noted that the information contained in Vol. A is formally notified by Members (i.e. the PermanentRepresentative) to WMO, in the framework of Members’ responsibility in the implementation ofobserving networks.

6.5.3 The session concluded that, in view of the importance of validated information on observingstations for operational purposes, including WWW data processing and meteorological and climaticresearch, a master reference operational catalogue of observing stations should be developed andmade available to all NMHSs. The information contained in the catalogue would take into account theinformation provided for Vol. A, but will also take due account of the information provided by qualitycontrol lead centres as well as quantitative monitoring with respect to the actual implementation ofobserving programmes. The session noted that the master list of observing stations that was beingdeveloped by NWP centres, in particular the US NCEP and ECMWF, could provide an initial step inthe development of the master reference operational catalogue of observing stations. The sessionrecommended that the CBS/OPAG on Integrated Observing System consider this question as amatter of urgency, in co-ordination with the OPAG on DPFS as appropriate. It invited its Rapporteuron GOS to forward the question to the forthcoming session of the ICT on IOS.

6.5.4 As regards Publication N0. 9, Volume C1, the meeting noted that as part of theirresponsibilities decided by CBS-Ext. (98), WMCs and RTHs on the MTN were to review the catalogueof meteorological bulletins as regards the bulletins issued from their relevant zones and notify theSecretariat by transferring updated files of changes to be included in the catalogue. The Secretariat istasked with maintaining a global database of Volume C1 accessible on its FTP server, and withissuing regularly the updated editions of Volume C1. The meeting further noted that work was almostcompleted at the Secretariat to implement the appropriate application software tools to maintain theVolume C1 data base and ingest files provided by RTHs.

6.5.5 The meeting emphasized that the overall efficiency of the OIS was dependent on theprompt notification of changes and updated information from NMHSs. It urged the designated RTHsand Members to ensure that all changes reach the Secretariat without delay, and thus benefit fromthe improved OIS for access to the up-to-date information required for their operations.

6.6 Technical Co-operation activities related to WWW (agenda item 6.6)

6.6.1 The session was informed on the implementation of Voluntary Co-operation Programme(VCP) projects related to the WWW in RA IV and on the VCP requests submitted by WMO Membersin RA IV which have not yet received full support.

6.6.2 In prioritising the assistance for VCP projects the session agreed that the highest priorityshould be given to the projects which would have the greatest impact on the implementation of theWWW on regional and global scales. Following this, the highest priority was given to the projectsrelated to the improvement of the upper-air network, with respect to both implementation andsustained operation (e.g. GPS radiosondes). The session also gave a high priority to theimplementation of automatic weather stations, which are playing an increasing role in the framework


of the WWW program as well as for climatic research purposes. It reiterated the importance oftraining activities and fellowship.

7. PUBLIC WEATHER SERVICES (agenda item 7)

7.1 The group received with appreciation the report of Mr. M. Sanchez (Costa Rica), Rapporteuron Regional Aspects of Public Weather Services on the activity in this area. The report reviewed thevarious activities of the PWS program, including the Guide to Public Weather Services Practices,support to capacity building, support of Natural Disaster Reduction, Verification and User-basedAssessment and international media and the Internet. It also reviewed the current status of Memberspublic weather services program in RA IV.

7.2 The session expressed satisfaction at the activities undertaken and progress made during theinter-sessional period towards the implementation of the PWS program. The session particularlyemphasized the importance of training on PWS. It felt that, in complement to the PWS regionalworkshops and seminars, PWS training should be included in the basic training syllabus, and it invitedthe ETR Program and RMTCs to give due consideration to this matter. The session agreed with thefuture directions which the Program should take and furthermore supported the view that high prioritybe given in the Region to:

• Assisting Members to strengthen and improve their national public weather services byplacing particular emphasis on capacity building activities such as seminars andworkshops, and transfer of knowledge and technology;

• Providing guidance on preparation and delivery of effective warnings and forecasts thatmeet the requirements of users, and on performance evaluation including verification;

• Developing training programmes and providing guidance material to improve presentationand dissemination of public weather products,

• Developing a mechanism for international exchange of NMS public weather products in aneffort to enhance visibility of NMSs, and facilitating access by the national and internationalmedia to these products;

• Developing guidelines and examples of best practices in order to promote a strong,positive and co-operative relationship with both the national and international media.

8. INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE OF DATA AND PRODUCTS (agenda item 8)

8.1 The meeting was informed that 39 Members as well as ECMWF and EUMETSAT had notifiedthe Secretary-General regarding their plans or actions related to the implementation of Res. 40 (Cg-XII) (see table given in Annex IX). The notifications can be categorized as follows:

(a) Members declared that they do not intend to place conditions on any data andproducts in case of their re-export for commercial purposes;


(b) Members identified their "additional" data or products on which they placedconditions for the re-export for commercial purposes and stipulated genericconditions attached thereto;

(c) Members identified their "additional" data or products on which they placedconditions for the re-export for commercial purposes;

(d) Members included new data or products under the category “additional” with a viewto expanding their range of data and products to be exchanged over the GTS.

8.2 The meeting confirmed that there were no difficulties in previous years in the implementationof Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) by RA IV Members.

8.3 The meeting was informed that Thirteenth Congress agreed that a survey among all Membersshould be carried out to assess any increase in data availability related to the adoption of Resolution40 (Cg-XII). To assess historical trends the Secretariat developed questionnaires, with input and co-ordination from several Members and the president of CBS, and distributed them to all Members inSeptember 1999. As of late January 2000, 58 Members had responded to the questionnaire,although this included responses from nearly all Members hosting major meteorological centres.

8.4 The survey asked each Member to provide information on whether, from 1994 through 1998,the volume of data or products they had made available on the GTS had changed from the previousyear. For each of 10 types of observations and 12 types of products they were asked to indicatewhether the volume of these data or products had increased significantly, increased slightly, remainedthe same, decreased slightly or decreased significantly. They were also asked to indicate thereasons for any significant changes from the previous year with one of the possible choices being theanticipated or actual adoption of Resolution 40 (Cg-XII). The session noted a summary of the resultsof the survey, which were reported to EC-LII.

9. FUTURE WORK PROGRAMME (agenda item 9)

The meeting was informed that the thirteenth session of Regional Association was planned tobe held in the first half of 2001. It decided that in the course of preparing for the session, the WorkingGroup activities should be focused on the following major issues identified in the report above:

• To review the RBSN station list in light of the remarks made by the session, taking intoconsideration the strategy for silent stations and stations reporting but not included in the RBSN.To seek from RA IV Members proposals concerning the revision of the RBSN. The Rapporteur onRegional Aspects of GOS to consolidate a proposed revised RBSN station list to be submitted tothe session of RA IV;

• To contribute to the development of a master reference operational catalogue of observingstations in the framework of the relevant CBS/OPAG (paragraph 6.5.3);

• To monitor the availability of CLIMAT and CLIMAT TEMP reports from the GSN and GUANstations in the Region;

• To review the status of operation of RMTN in RA IV, including back up arrangements in particularvia the Internet;

• To co-ordinate the development and implementation of improved telecommunicationarrangements for the Caribbean islands not connected on the satellite-based RMTN (ref.Paragraph 6.2.10 & 11);


• To review the status of maintenance, updating and exchange of the catalogues of meteorologicalmessages;

• To assess the data processing requirements of NMCs in the region and provide necessaryassistance to them;

• To make necessary arrangements for providing high resolution NWP output products to Membersfor severe weather warning guidance from within the Region;

• To review the migration strategy from alphanumeric codes to table-driven codes. To providecomments to the Rapporteur on Data Management and to make an appropriate proposal to theCBS, if necessary;

• To conduct surveys on the use of and requirements for GDPS information, on the use ofensemble forecasts, and on applications of NWP outputs.

10. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION (agenda item 10)

Before closing the session, the chairperson expressed her appreciation to the participation ofthe members in the deliberations of the meeting, which contributed to the effective results achievedby the meeting. She extended her particular thanks to Mr Arredondo and his staff for the excellentarrangements provided and to the Secretariat for their assistance. Participants also thanked MrsSimard for the excellent chairing of the meeting. The session closed on Friday, 14 April 2000, at15H00.

******


Annex to paragraph 5.5

RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL GLOBAL MONITORING OF THE OPERATION OF THE WWW

List of silent stations in RA IVMonitoring period: 1 to 5 October 1999

SYNOP reports(a) Location (b) Index number

BahamasBelizeCanadaCubaDominicaEl SalvadorHaitiHondurasMexicoNicaraguaPanamaSaint LuciaSt Maarten, St Eustatius and SabaUnited States of AmericaVenezuela (Isla las Aves)

Total:

780887859671060 71072 71400 71403 71496 71527 71806 71864 7190178310 78325 78333 78338 78349 78355 78360 78367 78369789077865078409 7844778501 7870176151 76311 7665678730 78734 7874578806789477887372340 72608 7273480400

39 stations.

TEMP reports Part A(a) Location (b) Index number

CanadaCubaGuatemalahondurasMexicoPanamaSt Maarten, St Eustatius and Saba

Total:

7186678355 783677864178720761517880678866

8 stations.


Regional Meteorological Telecommunication Network for Region IV (North and Central America)point-to-point and multipoint circuits implementation (kbit/s)

Honolulu

Havana

Kingston

Curaçao

Aruba

Port au Prince

RSMCMontreal

Bracknell

WMC Washington

Guadeloupe

Martinique

Grenada

Port of Spain

Tegucigalpa

Belize

San Jose

Panama

Managua

San Salvador

Guatemala

Mexico

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S. Domingo

Nassau

St M aartenSan Juan

Antigua

St Lucia

Cayenne

Georgetown

St Vincent

Dominica

Anguilla

St Kitts

Tortola

Gd Cayman

Bermuda

RSMC M iami

Montserrat

BarbadosRTH

NMC

Centre in other region

M TN circuit

Interregional circuit

Regional circuit

Regional multipoint circuit via satellite (VSAT)38.4 kb/s Rec & 1.2 kb/s Trans

GOES data collection

64

64

64

64

1.54 Mb/s

9.6

38.4 kb/s

1.2 kb/s

BuenosAires

Brasilia

Tokyo


Annex to paragraph 6.2.7

WMC/RTH Washington gateway FTP Data Communications

FTP Receive Service

Overview -

This page describes the Gateway file exchange processing for WMO bulletin ingest at theGateway for data delivered using FTP. This processing provides for receipt of data into theGateway host switching system equivalent to the process achieved with the Gateway dedicatedX.25 communication lines.

The Gateway now has the capability of ingesting data from data providers via TCP/IP and placesthat data in a Receive Queue where it will eventually be processed through the system. Theprocess in the host switching system is operated for received files containing WMO bulletins. Line(queue) numbers are assigned on received data coming into the Gateway.

Process -

The data is originally placed by the user on a file server using the FTP protocol for file transfer.The server will be periodically checked. If a file containing data is found in the designated fileserver sub-directory, it is then taken from that server using FTP and placed on the host switchingsystem disk. The data is then erased from the source server. Once on disk, the data is thenprocessed by a routine that 1) extracts the message(s) from the file and ensures the beginning ofthe message by identifying the WMO abbreviated header format, and 2) writes a Receive Queueto disk. Then other switching system programs process this data through the system just like anyother data received from other Gateway circuit. The data in the WMO abbreviated heading can beused by monitoring utilities to check data availability in the host switching system, knowing the linenumber assigned.

The process can take place in two different ways. The data provider can write the files to theirown server and the Gateway will go there over a connected network for the reading of the datafile, or the data provider can write the files to a file server in the Gateway (RTH Washington)server farm through a connected network. This network can be the Internet. Therefore, files canbe written from anyone who can access the Internet or by using a dedicated circuit into our router.This means that in either path used the network health (performance) is involved in the receipt ofthe information. The data provider could even dial-up our Shiva server and FTP files to our fileserver, given the proper ID/password for both the Shiva server and the file server.

Problem isolation on data availability at the Gateway must involve the networks path.


Data Flow considerations -

Processing occurs in periodic intervals (currently every 90 seconds), therefore the datatransmission may not be as immediate as that of data being transmitted to the Gateway on anX.25 lines.

Data Format -

The filename of the file containing the data has a specific meaning for the user creating it, and itfollows a specific pattern that is repeated each time a new file is to be made available to theGateway. The files themselves can contain one or more WMO bulletins in them. The bulletinsare separated as defined below. The files should not bee written to the server in less cycle timethan every 3 minutes.

The data content is expected to be in a standard WMO code form (International Alphabet No. 5) orNWS code form and enveloped as WMO bulletins, i.e. from the WMO abbreviated heading to theending line with the "ETX" character added. Therefore, the WMO message format is not used.For clarification, this means the WMO bulletin is not enveloped with the WMO Starting Line,however, in this "FTP receive service" the Gateway prefers to have the "end-of-message" signal inInternational alphabet 5 included, which means the "CR CR LF ETX" is attached to the end of thebulletin.

File Name Format on the Gateway server -

All UNIX operating systems are sensitive to upper case or lower case letters. The format below isin upper case, however, the file name may be in lower case instead.

WMOHDR.TXT or WMOHDR.YYDDHHMM

where;

WMOHDR = is the TTAAii of a standard WMO abbreviated heading as defined in the WMOManual on the Global Telecommunication System, No. 386.

TXT = standard file name extension in ASCII character format (International Alphabet No. 5), or

YYDDHHMM = year-day-hour-minute time the file was written, or by some other agreed to filename between the Gateway and provider before implementation.


File Content Structure and Process -

The files sent can contain one or more bulletin(s), each bulletin in the file (including the first one)must be prefixed with a bulletin separator field. The bulletin size should meet the WMO standardto achieve switching of the bulletins onto the MTN of the GTS. The separator field is written inInternational Alphabet No. 5 in the following form:

Bulletin Separator Field

####018001999####0Awhere;

#### = 4 pound signs018 = length of prefix001999 = length of bulletin0A = line feed

File Transfer Process

Data providers using this method of data delivery to the Gateway must be advised that theGateway must also have read-write capability on the server's sub-directory where the data isbeing placed for delivery to the Gateway. The file containing the bulletins (data) will be erasedonce it is read to avoid duplicate reading of the file with the same content. The bulletin separatorsare used by the Gateway for bulletin parsing.

FTP Receive Service Establishment -

The FTP Receive Service requires that prior initial contact with the Gateway (RTH Washington)must be made. The RTH Focal Point can be used for this initial establishment of service. TheGateway programming staff will provide the computer site requiring FTPRCV with the followinginformation:

(1). The server IP address(2). The subdirectory name for receiving the files(3). The needed ID and password for the source Centre to use.

results of the annual global monitoring … iv/wg-piw iii, p.i agenda 1. opening of the session 2....

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