Capabilities / Instruments

RUC

Rapid Update Cycle Model Data

External VAP, External Model

The Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) is an operational atmospheric prediction system comprised primarily of a numerical forecast model and an analysis system to initialize that model. Mesoscale Analysis and Prediction System (MAPS) is the research counterpart to the RUC. The RUC has been developed to serve users needing short-range weather forecasts. RUC runs operationally at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP).

The key features of RUC/MAPS include:

high-frequency (every 1h) 3-d objective analyses over the contiguous United States
high-frequency (every 1h) short-range weather model
forecasts (out to 12 h) in support of aviation and other mesoscale weather forecast users assimilation of data from:

commercial aircraft (relayed through ACARS – Aircraft Communications, Addressing, and Reporting System)
wind profilers (404 and boundary-layer 915 MHz)
rawinsondes and special dropwinsondes
surface reporting stations and buoys
RASS (Radio Acoustic Sounding System) – experimental
VAD (velocity-azimuth display) winds from NWS WSR-88D radars
GOES total precipitable water estimates
SSM/I total precipitable water estimates
GPS total precipitable water estimates
GOES high-density visible and IR cloud drift winds