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NWS > NCO > PMB > GFS/GDAS Upgrade
  1. The stations within the GFS BUFR sounding collectives are being modified to add 138 new stations. This change merges with the NAM station list.
  2. For documentation on the BUFR changes please download this WordDoc
  3. Note that these changes also apply to the GFS sounding collectives on NOAAPORT

The GFS/GDAS is being upgraded with numerous changes that affect mulitple models. Below you will find the details of each change associated with this upgrade.

GFS Upgrade Documentation

For documentation on this upgrade please download this PowerPoint

GFS BUFR Changes

  • For the list of additions, deletions and changes to the BUFR stations please download this document
  • Note that these changes also apply to the GFS sounding collectives on NOAAPORT

GFS File Removals/Replacements

  • Removal - gfs.tCCz.sstgrb/gdas1.t00z.sstgrb.grib2/fh.00xx_tl.press_gr.sstgrb will no longer by used by the GFS
  • Replacement - The Real-Time Global 1/12 deg SST. /pub/data/nccf/com/gfs/prod/sst.YYYYMMDD/rtgssthr_grb_0.083.grib2

  • Removal - gfs.tCCz.engicegrb/gdas1.t00z.engicegrb.grib2 will no longer be used by the GFS
  • Replacement - The 5-minute ice analysis at 1/12 deg. /pub/data/nccf/com/omb/prod/sice.YYYYMMDD/seaice.tCCz.5min.grb.grib2

  • Removal - gfs.tCCz.snogrb to be retired due to not being used by the GFS for years.
  • Replacement - At this time there is none, but contact NCEP if your needs require it.

  • Removal - gfs_grb211.tCCz.pgrbFH.grib2 to be retired due to having no known users of this large grid.
  • Replacement - It is recommended that users use grib filter to pull out the specific variables they need.

  • Removal - gfs.tCCz.master.grbfFF.10m.uv.grib2/fh.xxxx_pa.sw10m_tl.press_gr.0p5deg is to be removed because the information can be pulled from the pgrb files.
  • Replacement - It is recommended that users use "grib filter" to pull down U and V from the 0.50 deg *pgrb* files. Please email NCEP if you need assistance with this.

GFS MOS Changes

In response to the GFS model upgrade, the Meteorological Development Laboratory will update the GFS-based Model Output Statistics (MOS) system. The changes will include updated equations for several elements in the short-range and extended-range MOS text bulletins, and the addition or removal of stations from various text and BUFR products. Further details regarding changes to the GFS-based MOS products will be advertised in a separate Technical Implementation Notice. A webpage outlining the equation updates and station changes is avialble here

GFS Ensemble Changes

Variables will be removed from the forecast 00 gridded pressure grib2 bias corrected (pgrb2a_bc) files:

  • Upward Long-Wave Rad. Flux (ULWRF) top of atmosphere
  • Upward Long-Wave Rad. Flux (ULWRF) surface

GFS NOMADS Changes

 

GRIB Filter

- 0.25 degree output

Forecast hours 00 - 240 in 3 hourly increment
Forecast hours 240 - 384 in 12 hourly increments

- 0.50 degree output

Forecast hours 00 - 240 in 3 hourly increments
Forecast hours 240 - 384 in 12 hourly increments

- 1.0 degree output

Forecast hours 00 - 240 in 3 hourly increments
Forecast hours 240 - 384 in 12 hourly increments

- 2.5 degree output

Due to the limited use this product will be discontinued from GRIB Filter. The full files will be available through ftp/http downloads.

 

DODS/OpenDAP

- 0.25 degree output
Forecast hours 00 - 240 in 3 hourly increments

- 0.50 degree output
Forecast hours 00 - 240 in 3 hourly increments

- 1.0 degree output
Forecast hours 00 - 384 in 12 hourly increments

- 2.5 degree output
Due to the limited use this product will be discontinued from DODS. The full files will be available through ftp/http downloads

GFS/GDAS NOMADS, FTP/HTTP Server Archive Changes

NCEP will reduce the number of archive days:

  • GFS data will be available to download for the past 14 days instead of 30
  • GDAS data will be available to download for the past 14 days instead of 30

Downstream Timeliness Changes

GFS

  • All gridded pressure GRIB files (*pgrb*) will be up to 20 minutes late. This inlcudes NOAAPORT/SBN, NCEP ftp and NWS ftp servers
  • The Guam Smart Init delay will be up to 15 minutes late for forecast hour 00, but make up any delay by the last forecast hour. This impacts both NOAAPORT/SBN and the NCEP ftp server

GDAS

  • All gridded pressure GRIB files (*pgrb*) will be up to 16 minutes late. This inlcudes NOAAPORT/SBN and the NCEP ftp server

HWRF

  • All product output will be up to 8 minutes late. This inlcudes the NCEP ftp and NWS ftp servers

HySPLIT

  • The 0.50 degree GFS Hysplit (hysplit.tCCz.gfs0p5fFF) will be delayed 40 minutes. This impacts the NCEP ftp server.

HiRes Window

  • All product output will be up to 7 minutes late. This inlcudes NOAAPORT/SBN and the NCEP ftp server

RTOFS Global

  • The analysis forcing "a" (rtofs_glo.anal.t??z.forcing.*.a) files will be up to 16 minutes late. This impacts the NCEP ftp server

GFDL

  • All product output will be up to 30 minutes EARLY. This inlcudes NOAAPORT/SBN, the NCEP ftp and NWS ftp servers

NAM

  • All product output will be up to 5 minutes late. This inlcudes NOAAPORT/SBN, the NCEP ftp and NWS ftp servers

ETSS

  • All product output will be up to 7 minutes late. This inlcudes NOAAPORT/SBN, the NCEP ftp and NWS ftp servers

NHC Guidance

  • All product output will be up to 33 minutes late. This impacts NOAAPORT/SBN

Page last modified: 25 March 2025.