WunderLainey's WunderBlog 

Great Idea. This is a real improvement.

The NWS provides a more accurate forecast compared to Best Forecast. I found Best Forecast to be inaccurate in temperatures forecasts and wells as the actual forecast descriptions.

I do not know what area my town (Liberty, Maine) is linked into but the BestForecast is way off. The forecast temps for THAT day and the following days is 5-15° warmer than NWS and what actually occurs. I use W.U. for the radar and to check the PWS that is located about a half mile from my house (when I'm at work). I bike everyday of the year (sold my car in 2008), so the forecast temps are crucial for me in planning long adventures on my days off. Since BestForecast was introduced I have never gone to NWS as much as I do now.

This is a great idea. I see temp variations all the time in Maine, however I'm wondering how long until it shows any value to me.

I have a PWS and have kept daily readings since 1/1/98. I've given thought to feeding into the W.U. system, even with the station logging in a half mile away. However, the current setup on W.U. has really diminished its value to me.

I actually find my best forecast to be more accurate than the NWS. I make both forecast available on my website and I'd have to say 85% of the time the Best Forecast is dead on.

I would like to add that Proper calibration of the PWS's sensors is a must if we are to move forward with making Best Forecast have zero errors. Once a year I have the sensors of my station calibrated and verified. I have seen allot of PWS with readings the seem like they are way O.O.T. Out Of Tolerance. Please conceder keeping your station adjusted and calibrated to its specifications, Sensors and instruments drift over time.


George

This is awful. The forecasts are often incorrect, particularly the sky conditions which are annoyingly listed first. The syntax is machine-like and quirky. I have gone to the local NWS office webpage for forecasts, which is a pain. Revert or give me the option.

"Clear. Chance of rain 20%" Sheesh.

Can I call you Wonder?
I have been running my station here in Mexico for 6 years and I am pleased to part of the organization.
Getting this newsletter from Dr. Jeff is certainly a step in the right direction as I feel we have largely been ignored in the past. My complaint is the difficulty in communication with the staff. Some time ago I was concerned about the program recording the number of hits our stations were getting. It would zero half way through the month. It did eventually get fixed but your people didn't think it a big deal. Let me tell you it is a big deal with us, we really want to know who is checking in on us.

Next, I would really like a small space to pass info on to our readers. To let them know if we have a problem with something or other. To keep them informed and make them feel part of the organization. Is this possible? If I am down for any reason I get e-mail asking me what is happening with the station. In the hurricane season this is most important.

Also a couple of years ago I wanted live 24/7 video link to show sailors and surfers local wave conditions. Your one frame a minute would not cut it. Eventually I adapted a digital camera to serve the purpose. It became very popular and still is. But it is hard to maintain and secure. Are there any plans to make a video connection, in the works?

If not, why not?

Finally, how often will the news letter be published?

Thanks

singlehander

How come you get TWO listings on the weather blog's "Featured Articles" page?

Quoting EvPv:
I do not know what area my town (Liberty, Maine) is linked into but the BestForecast is way off. The forecast temps for THAT day and the following days is 5-15° warmer than NWS and what actually occurs.
...

I am going to have to agree with EvPv. The temperatures for zip 72210 are wildly too high (up to 15° higher) compared to both the NWS and your own BestForecast for a zip code less than six miles away. If you compare 72210 (west Little Rock, AR) with 72201 (downtown Little Rock) -- the numbers are extremely different.

For example, compare Monday's forecast high:

BestForecast for 72210: 95° (west Little Rock)
NWS for 72210: 81°
BestForecast for 72201: 82° (downtown Little Rock)
NWS for 72201: 81°

Why so far off?

Edit I know that I can turn off the BestForecast option, I was just wondering how it could be so far off.

Will there be any replies to our comments?

I have contributed to WU with aprox 8 pws in Central America and more particular in Guatemala, I really rely on WU forecast, and I agree and feel that BestForescast is Indeed best.

Still have some issues, but for example, in the area I cover (Central America) with particular weather conditions not found anywhere else, having 2 different oceans so close, we have a lot of weather makers. This combined with terrain and elevation makes another issue in weather. Not the mention the scarse coverage of stations and due to connection constraints, not all live if available.

WU's BestForecast is better than the normal NOAA / GFS, but I guess could be better if you take in account altitude. We have cities for example IQUETZAL1 (MGQZ) with below 0°c temps in the morning and 20 miles south MGRT with above 20°c lows the same day, WU Bestforecast can deal with this, but still some missed I guess due to altitude corrections or not taking much in account our local PWS.

Based on my observations, in general I can say BestForecast is better in terms of temperature prediction than in precipitation, temperature fcst could be enhanced taking in account altitude (and smaller grid maybe), but PCPN is a big deal in rainy season down here.

Congratulations for BestForecast, is a great product.

Regards

Norman