Long Term Forecaster

Atmospheric River in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies this Weekend

A Pacific storm and atmospheric river will impact the Pacific Northwest states and northern Rockies this weekend, bringing locally heavy low elevations rain and heavy high elevation snow in the mountains. By Sunday over the Interior Northwest, rain combined with snowmelt will increase the risk of flood hazards. Flood Watches are in effect. Read More >

Long Term Forecasts

Pictured: Meteorologist Lee Robertson

The long term forecaster prepares and issues all long term products (typically hour 36-to-day 7) using the Graphical Forecast Editor (GFE). The graphical portion is in gridded format, which also is turned into text. Some of the products issued include the Area Forecast Discussion, Zone Forecast, and digital products. Forecasts are routinely issued between the hours of 3 and 4 a.m. and again between 3 and 4 p.m., and are updated at anytime when conditions warrant.

All 122 NWS offices are responsible for issuing forecasts through day 7. Forecasts for day 8 through two years are prepared by NWS National Centers, such as the Weather Prediction Center and the Climate Prediction Center.

Here are some of the advisories/watches/warnings issued from this desk: