JessePedia: What is a Model Spread Map?

What are the ATCF Tracks?

The government's Automated Tropical Cyclone Forecast system provides tracks for tropical low pressure systems in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific from up to 181 computer forecast models at the same time. At AccuWeather.com, we call this the "Model Spread."

Can you show me an example of an ATCF track?

Sure, see below for an example of a Model Spread of ATCF data colored by time (click here to see one colored by strength). In the first example, the tracks are colored based on future time; in the second, they are colored based on wind speed classification.

Where can I see ATCF Tracks in real-time?

Automated Tropical Cyclone Forecast tracks are available 4 times per day (with 4 updates inbetween) on the AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center, after storms are named by the NHC. AccuWeather.com Professional provides tracks for "Invest" (unnamed) storms as well, and provides maps with each track by itself.

Do you have tracks of non-tropical cyclones?

Yes, you can also see tracks of ALL low-pressure areas (including major winter storms) on AccuWeather.com Professional, updated when the major models update (the list of models is much shorter than the ATCF).

Can you describe the individual models?

What we know about the individual models is shown in the table below. Each model goes out a different number of hours -- some only 24 hours, some 10 days.

DISCLAIMER: Descriptions of all 181 models that are considered for each run are listed below, based on this government list. Number of models will vary by time of day or geographical area (typically 25-75 models at once).