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The Forecast Research Division (FRD) is home to most of the research in FSL on the following topics:

• Short-range numerical weather prediction (NWP)
• Development of advanced modeling and data assimilation techniques
• Diagnostic studies of mesoscale weather phenomena from field projects
• Environmental applications of NWP models

Produced in real time at frequent intervals on national and local scales, these analyses and forecasts are valuable to commercial aviation, civilian and military weather forecasting, the energy industry, regional air pollution prediction, and emergency preparedness.

FRD Organization

	Development of Advanced Modeling Rapid-Update Cycle (RUC) model Local Analysis and Prediction System (LAPS) Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) Advanced parameterization of small-scale processes
	Data Assimilation Techniques Advanced data assimilation techniques New methods for mesoscale initialization using remotely sensed data Variation assimilation of new satellite products in models
	Applications of Numerical Weather Prediction Models Improvement of short-term forecasting of disruptive weather events Improvement of short-term quantitative precipitation forecasts Nowcasting and local-scale modeling WFO-Advanced support to NWS Regional air quality forecasts Fire Weather forecasts Regional climate and hydrolgical simulations
Image credit to Dr. Pierre Flamant of Huntsville Atmospheric Science USRA	Development and Use of Advanced Observations Mesoscale analysis Numerical studies of data system impacts Observing System Simulation Experiments Production of research-quality datasets on CD-ROMS and the web Observational systems
	Diagnostic Studies of Mesoscale Processes Potential vorticity streamers Gravity wave and unbalanced flow dynamics Diagnostic forecasting of turbulence, icing, ceiling & visibility Mesoscale dynamics
	Collaborations and Customers Customers: operational forecast centers (NCEP, AFWA, Etc.) aviation, emergency management Major contributor to community WRF model development and evaluation Partnering in joint scientific studies with other research groups Participation in joint field studies