Link to NWS Louisville Science and Technology Homepage

New Additions to NWS Louisville's Science and Technology Web Site
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Bullet Updated 03/25/04
Fixed the links to the "Understanding Frontogenesis and its Application to Winter Weather Forecasting" HTML and PDF files, available in the Scientific Training section.  Also significantly updated the file "Heavy Convective Rainfall Forecasting: A Comprehensive Look at Parameters, Processes, Patterns, and Rules of Thumb" in HTML and PDF formats, with much more information and examples. Given the thoroughness of the presentations, download time (especially for the PDF files) may be several moments. 

Bullet Updated 02/02/04
Added a new training document to the Scientific Training section, entitled Understanding Frontogenesis and its Application to Winter Weather Forecasting (html version).  This document also is available in full screen PDF format (7.5 Mb) and half screen (2 slides per page) PDF format (7.0 Mb).  This is a rather comprehensive look at frontogenesis, forcing and vertical circulations induced by frontogenesis, and the importance of assessing atmospheric stability (including EPV and CSI).  Numerous examples are given to illustrate the text.

Bullet Updated 12/31/03
Added a PDF Version of the document on Precipitation Type Forecasting in the Scientific Training section.

Bullet Updated 12/09/03
Added a new document called Cloud Classifications and Characteristics to the Scientific Training section, which includes a cloud chart. A PDF version of the document also is available. 

Bullet Updated 08/21/03
Added a new document to the Scientific Training section, entitled Mini-Supercell Thunderstorms: Environmental Conditions, Reflectivity Structure, and Mesocyclone Evolution.  This document investigates environmental and storm attributes of mini supercells, which are smaller and often more subtle than their larger, taller classic supercell counterparts. Nevertheless, mini storms can produce the same types of severe weather as classic storms, thus making careful radar identification and assessment critical. Radar examples of actual mini supercells are given and discussed.

Bullet Updated 08/18/03
Added two new documents to the Scientific Training section. The first is entitled Meso-Analyst Severe Weather Guide which provides various environmental parameters and values associated with different severe weather phenomena.  The second is entitled The Importance of Mid-Level Convergence, Evaporation, Melting, and Precipitation Loading to Damaging Surface Winds,  which discusses the effect of the indicated parameters in thunderstorms on the generation of surface downbursts/microbursts.  The document complements the Flow Chart to Evaluate Wet Microburst and Large Hail Potential from Pulse or Multicellular Thunderstorms.

Bullet Updated 08/14/03
Added a new document to the Scientific Training section, entitled VIL Density as a Hail Indicator.  VIL (Vertically Integrated Liquid) Density combines values of VIL and storm echo tops, as shown on the WSR-88D Doppler Radar, to assess the potential for large hail in thunderstorms. 

Bullet Updated 08/12/03
Added a new document to the Scientific Training section, entitled Flow Chart to Evaluate Wet Microburst and Large Hail Potential from Pulse or Multicellular Thunderstorms.  This chart presents numerous parameters and values to consider in the environment and WSR-88D Doppler radar reflectivity, storm-relative velocity, and algorithm data in order to evaluate and make proper warning decisions for pulse thunderstorms. Such storms are common in the summer, when overall wind shear is relatively weak but instability is high. These storms can produce microbursts (localized wind damage) and large hail, but normally are relatively short-lived storms. Thus, timely detection, evaluation, and warning are crucial.

Bullet Updated 08/10/03
Added a new document to the Scientific Training section, entitled Tornadoes: Frequently Asked Questions About the Power of Nature.

Bullet Updated 07/11/03
Added a new training file to the Scientific Training section, entitled Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) Characteristics, Structure, and Propagation.  A PDF version of the file also is available.  In addition, within this same section, added a PDF version of the training document entitled Heavy Convective Rainfall Forecasting: Parameters, Processes, Patterns, and Rules of Thumb.

Bullet Updated 07/08/03
Added two training slide shows to the Scientific Training section, including Tornadogenesis in Supercells: The Three Main Ingredients, and Synoptic Patterns Associated With Heavy Snowfall in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. PDF versions of each presentation also are available.

Bullet Updated 06/19/03
Added a new training slide show on lightning, entitled Lightning: Facts, Fiction, Safety Issues, Lightning Formation, Meteorological Considerations.  This comprehensive presentation discusses electric charge formation and distribution within a thunderstorm and on the ground, and the use of lightning data by meteorologists to help assess severe storm evolution. In addition, lightning facts, myths vs. truths, and people's response to the lightning threat before, during, and after a thunderstorm (i.e., safety issues) are discussed.

Bullet Updated 05/30/03
Added new slide show training material to the Training Documents and Exercises page. Included are 1) Knowledge of Convective Storm Structure, Risk Management, and Situational Awareness During Severe Weather Events, 2) Exploring Risk Management in the Warning Decision Making Process, 3) Forecasting the Onset of Damaging Winds Associated with a Squall Line/Bow Echo Using the Mid-Altitude Radial Convergence (MARC) Signature, 4) Severe Weather Parameters: Definitions and Computations, and 5) Storm Prediction Center (SPC) Mesoscale Analysis and Convective Parameters. Each of these presentations also is available in PDF format. Also added a new severe weather event to the WSR-88D Doppler Radar Imagery section.  This case features the severe weather and several tornadoes (F0-F2) that occurred on May 11, 2003 over central Kentucky.  Also updated the WSR-88D Pictures and Example Data Fields page. Finally, the Science and Technology Sitemap has been updated.

Bullet Updated 02/07/03
Updated links to real-time WSR-88D Doppler radar imagery from NWS Louisville, KY and from all WSR-88D sites across the United States. These can be accessed from the WSR-88D Doppler Radar Imagery page. Updated links in the AWIPS section, as well as the NWS Louisville Science and Technology Sitemap. Also updated, fixed, and added links to the Links to Other Scientific Sites page.

Bullet Updated 01/16/03
Reorganized the listings of available training on the Training Documents and Exercises page.  Also added three new slide shows to this page under the winter weather/atmospheric processes training section. Two of the presentations also are available in PDF format. Slide shows include Methods for Diagnosing Conditional Symmetric Instability, and A Review of Certain Winter Weather Processes in the Atmosphere and Their Effect on Precipitation.  In addition, certain links within this site were corrected/updated. 

Bullet Updated 05/01/02
Added a new slide presentation called Lightning Meteorology and Operational Considerations to the Training Documents and Exercises page.  You should use Internet Explorer to view the presentation.  A very interesting and informative discussion is presented, including electrical charge generation and distribution, and resultant cloud-to-ground (CG) strikes in individual non-severe thunderstorms, mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), severe storms, supercells, and wintertime thunderstorms.  Many graphics are used to illustrate the theory. 

Bullet Updated 10/31/01
Redesigned all pages within the NWS Louisville Science and Technology Web Site.  Also, changed a number of files within the site to include updated and correct information. For instance, new information on the expanded NOAA Weather Radio network in central Kentucky is available in Overview of NOAA Weather Radio. Also, information on squall lines and bow echoes has been enhanced and consolidated into one document.  In addition, links to still and animated real-time WSR-88D Doppler radar data from across the United States were added to the WSR-88D Doppler Radar Imagery section. Many new links also were added to the Links to Other Scientific Web Sites section, including links to NOAA's Central Library, NOAA's Photo Library, 2001-2002 winter weather outlook, and numerous others. 

Bullet Updated 10/25/01
Added a new severe weather event to the WSR-88D Doppler Radar Imagery section. The event was a severe squall line that raced across the Ohio Valley, including central Kentucky and southern Indiana, during the evening of October 24, 2001. The line produced widespread wind damage as many trees and power lines were knocked down. WSR-88D Doppler radar data and a couple of damage pictures are available. 

Bullet Updated 08/14/01
Redesigned the NWS Louisville Science and Technology Home Page. Also added a Site Map to the Home Page which lists all links within Science and Technology. 

Bullet Updated 07/06/01
Completely updated the Example WSR-88D Radar Data Images at NWS Louisville within the WSR-88D Doppler Radar Technology section. Pictures have been updated with higher quality images and, in many instances, different images and accompanying discussions. A larger number of images is included.  A "bonus image" also is provided. These images provide an excellent overview of data available on the WSR-88D Doppler radar, along with brief discussions explaining the images and their use in the forecast and warning process. Also upgraded and changed images in the AWIPS Sample Data Pictures document within the AWIPS Technology section.    

Bullet Updated 06/20/01
Altered the layout of the Training Documents and Exercises section to provide better organization of available training documents.  Also, take time to check out our Severe Weather Training Exercise which centers on the 14 May 1995 intense squall line and bow echo event across central Kentucky.  The exercise is designed to enhance your ability to identify WSR-88D Doppler radar severe weather signatures, understand severe storm structure, and anticipate convective trends. 

Bullet Updated 06/11/01
Updated the frontogenesis section of the document entitled Significant Winter Meteorological Processes in the Atmosphere (Part II) within the Training Documents and Exercises section. Also made a change to the appearance of the Science and Technology home page.

Bullet Updated 06/08/01
Added a new detailed slide presentation entitled Heavy Convective Rainfall Forecasting: Parameters, Processes, Patterns, and Rules of Thumb to the Training Documents and Exercises section. The presentation presents information, examples, and summaries of numerous phenomena related to heavy convective rainfall forecasting. This includes important environmental parameters, pattern recognition, low-level and upper-level jet streak dynamics, frontogenesis, boundaries, elevated convection, thunderstorm propagation, precipitation efficiency, climatology of heavy rain events across the Ohio Valley, and rules of thumb. The presentation includes many graphics and is well worth viewing.

Bullet Updated 01/30/01
Made a few changes to the slide presentations in the Training Documents and Exercises section. See below for more information.

Bullet Updated 01/23/01
Added two slide presentations to the Training Documents and Exercises section. The first presentation entitled Making Successful Heavy Rainfall Forecasts: An Introduction discusses atmospheric parameters, data interpretation, and forecast skills important to the production of heavy rainfall from mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). Two versions of this presentation are available to be compatible with different Internet browsers.

Bullet Updated 01/07/01
Altered the format of the Science and Technology homepage and all underlying pages. Also modified numerous files within the site, including many improved graphics, especially in the Training Documents section.  In addition, consolidated research activities and on-line research papers; both now are contained within Office Research Activities and Papers; also upgraded figure quality in this section. 

Bullet Updated 10/24/00
Updated the document Structure and Dynamics of Supercell Thunderstorms, including higher quality figures and the addition of a WSR-88D observed supercell to accompany the edited text. 

Bullet Updated 10/11/00
Consolidated the AWIPS and sample data pictures within the AWIPS Technology section. Outdated images were deleted and several new, higher quality images were added. 

Bullet Updated 8/4/00
Consolidated and updated COMET Cooperative Research Project information within the Office Research Activities section. Further research results on squall lines, bow echoes, and heavy precipitation producing weather systems were added, including a summary of activities and new links to Web-based presentations derived from the project.  Although the COMET project officially ended in Spring 2000, NWS Louisville now is part of a new 3-year Cooperative Institute for Precipitation Systems (CIPS) project with Saint Louis University. A new link to CIPS information is provided in the Office Research Activities section.  Finally, a new link to information on mid-altitude radial convergence (MARC) was added to the Scientific Training Documents and Exercises section. MARC, observable in WSR-88D storm-relative velocity data, often is an important precursor signature to subsequent surface wind damage from bow echoes and pulse type thunderstorms. 

Bullet Updated 5/24/00
Added a new severe weather event to the WSR-88D Doppler Radar Imagery section. The event, on May 23, 2000, featured a large supercell storm that produced golfball to baseball size hail in Breckinridge County in north-central Kentucky (southwest of Louisville) and a damaging tornado (up to F3 damage) in the town of Leitchfield in Grayson County. Several NWS Doppler radar images are shown.

Bullet Updated 1/31/00
Added a new document entitled, "Determining Winter Precipitation Type: Basic Cloud Ice Microphysics; An Analysis of Sounding, Thickness, and Radar Data" to the Scientific Training Documents and Exercises section. This document discusses 1) basic cloud physics principles related to ice crystal formation and growth; 2) vertical sounding/temperature profiles for snow, rain, sleet, and freezing rain; 3) factors affecting precipitation; 4) the use of thickness in assessing precipitation type; and 5) brief radar considerations.

Bullet Updated 1/27/00
Redesigned the homepage of NWS Louisville's Science and Technology Page. Over the next couple of months, some modifications also will be performed on the underlying pages of the Science and Technology site.

Bullet Updated 12/2/99
Added a new document entitled, "Preliminary Results of a Heavy Snow Climatology Across Kentucky and Southern Indiana" in the "Research Activities" section. This document, which is split into sections, presents results to date from our heavy snow research within our COMET Cooperative Project. Presented are various snow statistics for Kentucky and southern Indiana for the period 1982-1996, and snowfall maps, synoptic composite charts (including jet streaks, temperature structure and advection, frontogenesis, theta-e advection, etc.), and event summaries for 4 individual major snowstorm events. From this information, various patterns and the importance and interaction of meteorological processes become evident in their role in heavy snow production across the Ohio Valley.

Bullet Updated 11/21/99
Added the document "Squall Line and Bow Echo WSR-88D Doppler Radar Characteristics" to the Scientific Training Documents and Exercises section. This document is available in both HTML and PDF formats. Also updated information concerning our COMET Cooperative Research Project in the Research Activities section.

Bullet Updated 11/19/99
Changed the title of the Scientific Training Documents section to Scientific Training Documents and Exercises. Within this section, added a comprehensive severe weather training exercise entitled, "Enhancing Radar Interpretation Skills Through Analysis of a Severe MCS Event in Kentucky. " This exercise, based on a fascinating event in May 1995, was administered at the COMET Workshop in St. Louis on 11/16-18/99. Numerous WSR-88D Doppler radar pictures and loops are available, from which you are asked to identify key radar signatures and trends important to the warning process. Environmental data also is supplied. Finally, a detailed answer sheet is available to explain important information. The user can perform the exercise first, then check the answers, or follow along with the answers and radar data at the same time. This case is an excellent exercise to use in severe weather training programs. A conference paper based on this case also is available under the On-Line Research Papers section.

Bullet Updated 9/23/99
Added the document WSR-88D Doppler Radar Sampling Issues to the Scientific Training Documents section. Also, updated information concerning our COMET Cooperative Research Project, including information on a COMET workshop, in the Research Activities section.

Bullet Updated 9/7/99
Added a link to more detailed numerical forecast model information in the Scientific Training Documents section. Also updated the Interesting Scientific Links page again with links to lightning, earthquake, and other information.

Bullet Updated 8/31/99
Updated the Interesting Scientific Links page, with a new layout and new links to NASA Space Center sites and a few other locations.

Bullet Updated 7/26/99
Updated the appearance of the NWS Louisville Science and Technology Home Page.

Bullet Updated 6/29/99
Updated the document Convective Season Parameters and Indices within the Scientific Training Documents section.

Bullet Updated 4/29/99
Added a new severe weather event to the WSR-88D Doppler Radar Imagery section. This event, on April 28, 1999, featured large hail from a severe thunderstorm at the NWS Louisville office, just south of downtown Louisville. Doppler radar and actual hail pictures are shown.

Bullet Updated 3/1/99
NWS Louisville's "Science Page" renamed "Science and Technology". Performed a complete overhaul of NWS Louisville's "Science Page", including new layout, new name, many new underlying pages, and much more educational and technological information. New sections added or updated: WSR-88D Doppler Radar Technology; WSR-88D Doppler Radar Imagery; AWIPS Technology; NOAA Weather Radio/CRS Technology; Scientific Training Documents; Research Activities; On-Line Research Papers; Interesting Scientific Links. Added many on-line pictures and discussions of WSR-88D Doppler radar example data, AWIPS installation at NWS Louisville, and AWIPS example data. Added sequence of WSR-88D Doppler radar images and discussions from several severe weather events across central Kentucky and south-central Indiana. Added various educational/scientific training documents prepared at NWS Louisville. Updated research activities at NWS Louisville. Posted a few published research papers prepared at Louisville. Added much information on WSR-88D technology, AWIPS technology, and NOAA Weather Radio/CRS technology. Added numerous new links to other interesting scientific sites on the Web.

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