NOAA Storm Prediction Center


SPC Mesoscale Analysis Pages  (National Sector Archive | Mobile Version)
Click here to view a multimedia introduction of the Mesoanalysis Pages. (5.8MB)
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Northwest Southwest Central Plains Northern Plains Southern Plains Midwest East Central Northeast Southeast National

 
These 10 fixed sectors can be used to see regional gridded mesoanalysis data across the United States. This information is provided by SPC as a way of sharing the latest severe weather diagnostic techniques with local forecasters.
 
The SPC runs a comprehensive surface objective analysis scheme called SFCOA. The system runs at the top of each hour, using the latest 40km RAP forecast grids as a first guess. Next, the surface data is merged with the latest RAP forecast/analysis upper-air data to represent a 3-dimensional current objective analysis. Finally, each gridpoint is post-processed with a sounding analysis routine called NSHARP to calculate many technical diagnostic fields related to severe storms.
 
Here is more information about the mesoscale analysis page and a detailed description of the parameter fields.
 
Summary of changes on February 25, 2014: The NCEP RAPv2 became the operational RAP model and now provides background conditions for the Mesoscale Analysis. The previous option to display experimental ESRL RAPv2-based Mesoanalysis fields is no longer available.
 
These new mesoscale analysis pages, implemented during the Spring of 2010, incorporate the use of layered transparent images and a javascript display system. They have been thoroughly tested for compatibility with modern web browsers. Nevertheless, if you experience problems viewing these pages, please send an email using the link below.
 
An archive of mesoanalysis graphics continues to be maintained with the implementation of the new mesoanalysis interface. The information is provided on a CONUS scale with data availabilty from 2005 to present.
 
Contacts for this resource include: John Hart, Corey Mead, Phillip Bothwell, and Rich Thompson.

Data Courtesy of NOAA Storm Prediction Center