Forecast Models (2024)

Forecast Models


Meteorology uses pressure as the vertical coordinate and not height. This works out better for thermodynamic computations that are done on a regular basis. Pressure decreases in the atmosphere exponentially as height increases reaching zero pressure in space. The standard unit of pressure is millibars (mb or hectopascals-hPa) of which sea level is around 1013 mb. Standard pressure levels and approximate heights:

PressureApproximate HeightApproximate Temp
Sea level0 m0 ft15oC59oF
1000 mb100 m300 ft15oC59oF
850 mb1,500 m5,000 ft5oC41oF
700 mb3,000 m10,000 ft-5oC23oF
500 mb5,000 m18,000 ft-20oC-4oF
300 mb9,000 m30,000 ft-45oC-49oF
200 mb12,000 m40,000 ft-55oC-67oF
100 mb16,000 m53,000 ft-56oC-69oF


The the primary difference between the models is their resolution or grid boxes. The smaller the grid box, the higher the resolution so little nuances in the atmosphere are more easily identified. Below are some of the models used by the National Weather Service.

Model Data Servers
NAM Forecast Model


This table contains contour plots of data from the NAM forecast model. This model gives forecast information out to 84 hours and are updated once every 6 hours at roughly 02:00 PST and 08:00 PST.

Forecast Models (1)
Forecast Models (2)


NAM MOS Numerical Guidance:

GFS (Global Forecast System) Forecast Model


This is a global model run by NCEP whereas the NAM is a regional model. As a result, the grids from this model are somewhat coarser than the grids from those models and lack some products. This model replaced the AVN and MRF models and gives forecast information out to 384 hours, and are updated once every 6 hours by roughly 04:00 and 10:00 PST.

Forecast Models (3)
Forecast Models (4)


GFS Short Range Numerical Guidance:

GFS Medium Range Numerical Guidance:

Forecast Models (2024)

FAQs

What are the 5 forecasting models? ›

Time Series Model: good for analyzing historical data to predict future trends. Econometric Model: uses economic indicators and relationships to forecast outcomes. Judgmental Forecasting Model: leverages human intuition and expertise. The Delphi Method: forms a consensus based on expert opinions.

What forecast model should I use? ›

The accuracy of weather forecast models depends on various factors such as region, timeframe, and type of weather phenomenon being predicted. Global models like the ECMWF and GFS are generally considered fairly accurate, with the ECMWF model being slightly more accurate than the GFS.

What are the four 4 main components in a forecast? ›

When setting up a forecasting process, you will have to set it across four dimensions: granularity, temporality, metrics, and process (I call this the 4-Dimensions Forecasting Framework). We will discuss these dimensions one by one and set up our demand forecasting process based on the decisions you need to make.

What is the easiest forecasting model? ›

1. Straight-line Method. The straight-line method is one of the simplest and easy-to-follow forecasting methods. A financial analyst uses historical figures and trends to predict future revenue growth.

Is GFS or ECMWF more accurate? ›

The advantage of ECMWF over GFS in forecast accuracy is also confirmed by research published by another leading American meteorologist Ryan Maue in which this and other scientists compared the forecast quality of both models for 14 years from 2008 to 2022.

What are the 2 main types of forecasting? ›

Most businesses aim to predict future events so they can set goals and establish plans. Quantitative and qualitative forecasting are two major methods organizations use to develop predictions. Understanding how these two types of forecasting vary can help you decide when to use each one to develop reliable projections.

How do I choose between forecasting models? ›

The selection of a method depends on many factors—the context of the forecast, the relevance and availability of historical data, the degree of accuracy desirable, the time period to be forecast, the cost/benefit (or value) of the forecast to the company, and the time available for making the analysis.

How to select the best forecasting model? ›

Your forecasting model should include features which capture all the important qualitative properties of the data: patterns of variation in level and trend, effects of inflation and seasonality, correlations among variables, etc.. Moreover, the assumptions which underlie your chosen model should agree with your ...

What forecast model does Excel use? ›

The forecast predicts future values using your existing time-based data and the AAA version of the Exponential Smoothing (ETS) algorithm. The table can contain the following columns, three of which are calculated columns: Historical time column (your time-based data series)

What is the most common kind of forecasting model? ›

Time-series is a popular forecasting model which explores past company behavior to forecast future company behavior (consumer behavior, sales behavior, etc.). This type of forecasting model uses historical data in terms of hours, weeks, months, and years to come at a point in the future based on these past values.

What is the formula for forecasting? ›

Historical forecasting: This method uses historical data (results from previous sales cycles) and sales velocity (the rate at which sales increase over time). The formula is: previous month's sales x velocity = additional sales; and then: additional sales + previous month's rate = forecasted sales for next month.

What is a good example of forecasting? ›

Historical forecasting is a method of creating projections based on past data. For example, a company looked at their historical data for the last three years and found that sales have increased by 20% each year. Based on this information, they projected that sales would increase by 20% this year.

What is the 5 year forecast model? ›

A 5-year forecast is an educated projection of your company's financial performance over the next five years. It specifically details projected revenues, costs, expenses, cash flows (including any projected capital raises), and owner equity, as well as projecting sales growth and margins.

How many forecasting models are there? ›

There are three basic types—qualitative techniques, time series analysis and projection, and causal models.

What are the different forecasting methods? ›

Different forecasting methods, such as time series, causal, judgmental, qualitative, and quantitative, are utilized based on the nature of the data and the level of certainty. Understanding independent and dependent demand aids in effective production planning and inventory management.

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