The MM5-V3 model is a non-hydrostatic mesoscale model in sigma vertical coordinates. Additional information about the model can be viewed at the MM5 home page. The current model configuration includes three nested grids of 36 km, 12 km and 4 km and 23 sigma vertical levels. Physical parameterizations used are:
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Schultz (1995) microphysics scheme, which account for ice and graupel/hail processes |
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Kain-Fritsch cumulus parameterization in the outermost two grids (36 km and 12 km) |
| Rapid Radiative Transfer Model (RRTM) |
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MRF planetary boundary layer used in the NCEP MRF model (Hong and Pan 1996) |
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Five-layer soil model |
Initial and boundary conditions are created with forecasts from the ETA-National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). The model is initialized at 00Z and forecasts are produced for 48 hours lead-time. Forecasts are generated on an SGI Origin 2000 with 4 processors and require about 8.5 hours of CPU time. Model runs are produced daily starting at about 8:30 PM. Products are available approximately at 6:30 AM every day.
(Southwestern California)
Image gallery of model time-step parameters
Animation of Recent Air Temperature Model
Animation of Recent Surface Winds Model
Animation of Recent Relative Humidity Model
Images may take a few minutes to fully load if accessing this page from a 56K modem.
The weather forecasts displayed in this site are part of the ICESS project. It is understood that the information contained here are for research purposes only and should be used with caution. Forecasts may be inaccurate and contain errors. ICESS, UCSB or any participating member in the project are not liable for injury or damage incurred with any use of these forecasts. View and use at your own risk.