In order to forecast the weather, I look at lots of data. Some of it is observational – in other words, what is being seen at any given time. Other data sets are based on computer models and predict the future.
These models have convoluted names but are referrred to by screwier acronyms. I have to know them because they’re my stock in trade. No one else carews about the Eta or GFS or MM5.
A few months ago, the National Center for Environmental Prediction decided they needed to change the names of a few of these models. I’ve read their reasoning, though I’m still not sure I understand it.
Hey, it’s their models. What they name them is up to them.
Today the changes went into effect. Most of my data sources dried up! The meteograms I produce on this website stopped being produced. BUFKIT, a nifty model analysis program stopped getting its data. My friend Bob’s website lost contact with the mothership too.
It looked like no one (myself included) used the prep time to be ready for what was coming. I don’t remember when I first heard about these changes, but it was a significantly long time ago. There’s really no excuse.
I was still able to get the data, but not in the ways I’m used to, and certainly not with the ease I’m used to.
By tomorrow… or Thursday… or next week this will all be cleared up. Except for people who stumble upon this blog entry in my archives, no one will remember. But I want to go on record as saying, “what a pain.”