Here are several web resources that we use frequently while storm chasing. We typically look over all weather model data in the days leading up to a severe weather event, and then re-evaluate the models on the morning of a chase. Once storms fire, we continuously monitor Realtime Data, the SPC, and the HRRR. In Canada, be sure to check out weather resources from Environment Canada

National Weather Service

• Storm Prediction Center – The SPC is responsible for issuing severe weather outlooks, mesoscale discussions, and watches.

• North American Surface Analysis – A human-analyzed map of surface weather features across North America.

• National Weather Service – Contains links to local Weather Forecast Offices.

Realtime Data

• Satellite and Radar (College of DuPage) – Hint: 1km Visible Satellite is best for chasing. Always use individual radar sites over regional mosaics.

• CONUS Radar Mosaic – CONtinental US radar overview. Good for a quick glance, but not for detailed analysis.

• Surface Observations – NCAR's network of surface observations covering the US and Canada

• Oklahoma Mesonet Surface Observations

• MesoWest 

Programs

• Radarscope – Low-cost super-resolution radar solution for Mac, iPhone, and Android. This is a must-have for any chaser.

• GR2Analyst – We strongly recommend this product for serious chasers. When configured properly, GR2AE provides the most timely radar updates, and is the most versatile analysis tool. We strictly prefer Level-2 super-resolution data. 

• GRLevel3 – Low-resolution Level-3 data (however velocity data is close to super-resolution). We use it most frequently for its VWP plots. 

• SHARPpy – Useful for displaying observed and modeled sounding data. Works on Mac, Linux, and PC.

• GpsGate – Allows an external GPS to be shared across multiple programs in Windows. We also recommend paper maps!

• Spotter Network – Report the severe weather that you observe!

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Numerical Weather Prediction Models:​

• Non-government model graphic websites: these are run by individuals, organizations, and educational institutions. You can find some of the above models as well as medium and long range models here.

  • College of DuPage – SHARPpy soundings, ultra long-range CFS maps… get that hypetrain chugging early.

  • Tropical Tidbits – Lots of international models. NAM 4, 12, and 36km maps. Worldwide regions.

  • Pivotal Weather – Point and click SHARPpy soundings, and a unique variety of numerical models.

  • Twisterdata – Tried and true, reliable, nice graphics.

  • Earl’s Models – Basic page with model graphics you won’t find anywhere else.

  • Wunderground ECMWF Maps – The only source for free full-resolution ECMWF (European Model) maps. 

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For Post-Event Analysis

• NCDC Radar Archive – Look back at any weather event through the mid-1990s.

• Iowa State Radar Archive – If you’re looking back at an event that occurred in the past 3 days, you can get your Level 2 radar data here.

• SPC Mesoanalysis Archive – Looking for full-resolution SPC mesoscale analysis data from a past event? SPC might have it archived here.

• University of Wyoming Soundings – Look up soundings from past events worldwide. The text files can be conformed to be used with SHARPpy.

International Links

• European Radar Mosaic – Unfortunately raw European radar data is not publicly accessible, this is as good as it gets.

• French WRF-NMM

• Italian WRF-ARW

• Keraunos GFS –for Global Data 

• Windy – great visualization of wind streamlines and a variety of forecast models 

• European Satellite Imagery

Other Interesting Links

 

• CIMSS Tropical Cyclones – Worldwide data for tropical cyclones.

• Cyclone Phase Diagrams – Cool but very technical diagrams from FSU showing the evolution of cyclones.

• MODIS Today – 250m resolution full-color satellite images of the CONUS taken twice daily by the Terra and Aqua POES (polar orbiting) satellites.