Oklahoma Forecasting May Get More Specific With NOAA Improvements

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has updated some of its equipment, and that's going to improve forecasting here in Oklahoma.

Earlier this month, NOAA expanded the capacity of the nation’s Weather and Climate Operational Supercomputing System by 20 percent.

A supercomputer is basically a bunch of computers working together to power something that needs a lot of data, time and computing power.

Weather models need this extra power, and this upgraded supercomputer will allow NOAA to run more complex forecast models with better detail and accuracy.

What does this mean for Oklahoma?

Forecasters will be able to pinpoint locations better and identify small scale weather features farther in advance.

Nolan Meister, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Norman, says it will give meteorologists the ability to make more detailed forecasts.

"Maybe spend less time getting in the right ballpark on a forecast," Meister said. "And more time specifically focusing in on core stuff: working with our partners in media, emergency management, the general public. And really being able to pinpoint our forecasts with better lead time and better accuracy"

With more accurate forecasts earlier, Oklahomans can get the weather information they need to stay safe.

This upgrade will also allow NOAA to start expanding and improving their weather models to better understand wildfire smoke, dust and fog.

Forecasters are excited to see what new advances this upgrade in technology can bring.