Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

Contents

1. Overview
2. Changes for 2009
3. Explanation of the Graphical TWO
4. Probabilistic Genesis Forecasts
5. Methodology
6. Availability
7. Examples
8. Potential Benefits of a Graphical TWO
9. References

3. Explanation of the Graphical TWO

The NHC issues a text-based TWO four times daily that discusses areas of disturbed weather in the tropics and provides an assessment of the potential for these features to develop into tropical cyclones (TCs). The GTWO is a web-based graphic that supplements the TWO by showing the most recently-available geostationary satellite imagery and encircling disturbances of interest in that image. Each disturbance is numbered, with text descriptions of each system provided beneath the graphic. Active TCs are also indicated on the graphic in the form of a cyclone symbol (i.e., an "L" for tropical depressions, a tropical storm symbol or a hurricane symbol). Text descriptions for the disturbances and active cyclones also appear in a pop-up window whenever a user moves the mouse pointer over the system.

During the 2007 and 2008 hurricane seasons, NHC issued the GTWO on en experimental basis. As part of the experimental product process, the GTWO was tested and evaluated during those hurricane seasons. This assessment included the routine issuance of the product, internally testing possible enhancements to the product, and gathering user input via an online survey. This document provides a description of the results of the experimental phase, along with the description of the GTWO that will become operational at the start of the 2009 hurricane season.

Next:  Probabilistic Genesis Forecasts