Rapid Update Maps (Faster Than the Government's Own Maps!)

Now you'll have access to the GFS, ETA, and other model data hours as they come in, rather than when the model is complete. This will enable ModelsPlus to beat even the government's model maps by several minutes, giving you the edge you need for your critical business decisions.

The AccuWeather Model (A Model/Human Blend)

The AccuWeather Model is a worldwide 15-day, hourly proprietary forecast database maintained by 75 meteorlogists on-site at AccuWeather's Headquarters. The database starts with a model blend then is tweaked by our meteorologists 24 hours a day. A full suite of surface weather variables is included and information can be contoured or plotted. Data areas & hours will be limited during the testing period.

Ensembles Plus (In-Depth, Customizeable Ensemble Model Maps)

You've seen spaghetti plots that show each ensemble's member forecast, but what if you could control the plots? That's right, EnsemblesPlus allows you to assign your own thresholds for the spaghetti plots. Want to see where the models think 0.14" of rain will fall? Or where the lifted index equals -20.48? No problem! Specify up to three values for each chart.

The WRF Model (The Model of the Future)

The WRF (Weather Research & Forecast Model) is a next-generation mesoscale forecast model and assimilation system that is being developed collaboratively between a number of governmental and educational organizations including NCAR, NOAA, NWS, FSL, CAPS, and AFWA. The philosophy behind the development of this model is to create an advanced mesoscale model and data assimilation system that will advance the understanding and the prediction of mesoscale precipitation systems. The model will incorporate advanced numerics and data assimilation techniques, a multiple relocatable nesting capability, and improved physics, particularly for treatment of convection and mesoscale precipitation. The WRF is non-operational today but will likely replace the ETA, RUC and MM5 as the short-range operational model of choice in the United States in the next few years.

Previous Runs & Differences

Sometimes it's useful to take a look at the difference between model runs, to see which way the models are trending. Not only can you access four previous model runs for many popular models, but ModelsPlus also has Difference Maps. These maps will allow you to see the difference between the 12Z ETA's 500mb heights to the 06Z ETA's 500mb heights, for example. During the testing period, these difference maps are integrated into the regular model pages.

MultiModels (Worldwide Multiple Models on Maps)

These maps show data from different models on the same map, for example you can look at a map of the Northwest U.S. with one line showing the ETA "540 line", a different colored line showing the NGM's "540 line", yet a different showing GFS, and so on. This enables you to find out where models are agreeing -- and disagreeing -- on anything from heights to precipitation.

State-Level Maps (Model Data With County Outlines!)

With the high resolution of today's forecast models, why should you have to look at U.S. maps? For most models, ModelsPlus lets you choose from any U.S. state map, with county outlines shown.

Raw Model Variables (Thousands of Unique Variables)

Sometimes you need more than just a 500 millibar chart. Say, for example, Blackadar's mixing length scale [m] prs @ 600 millibars (well, maybe not that one!). ModelsPlus includes thousands of raw model variables including those used by agricultural, energy, and other niche-forecasting.

N. Amer. Ensemble Forecasting System (Canadian Ensembles)

The North American Ensemble Forecast System (NAEFS) is a joint venture between the U.S. National Weather Service (NCEP) and the Meteorological Service of Canada (CMC,MRB). The non-operational ensemble model consists of 16 members and the normalized spread and mean of the members.

DGEX (Extended NAM)

The DGEX model is a high resolution version of the NAM Model (formerly known as the ETA model) run from 84 to 192 hours out. This is done using information from the previous cycle of the GFS (DGEX stands for Downscaled GFS with ETA Extension). Essentially, it is a high resolution long-range ETA Model.

Climate Forecast System (CFS) (9 Month Forecasts)

The CFS is a coupled ocean-atmosphere model, which complements other models and gives increased confidence of probable climate events before they happen. CFS represents a major breakthrough in dynamic modeling of climate variability in seasonal forecasts. The model forecasts numerous parameters 9 months ahead on a global scale. Standard deviations, Root Mean Square Errors will be available for meteorological variables such as heights, precipitation rates, temperatures, etc.

The Animator (Interactive Model Maps)

ModelsPlus features the exclusive AccuWeather.com Professional Model Animator, an interactive model map display tool. The Animator allows you to easily switch between models and maps, or display different maps on the screen at the same time. Convenient tools like loading indicators and settings saving help you access the data as quickly as possible each time you access ModelsPlus.