Global Forecast System (GFS) product guide

The Global Forecast System (GFS) is a National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) weather forecast model that generates data for dozens of atmospheric and land-soil variables. This model has been used to generate an array of useful products that can be utilised for nowcasting. Using these products in conjunction with the other data availble on this site provides a very informative overview for forecasters.

CAPE and SIN

CAPE and SIN

CAPE and CIN

Convective Available Potential Energy. A measure of the amount of energy available for convection. CAPE is directly related to the maximum potential vertical speed within an updraft; thus, higher values indicate greater potential for severe weather. Observed values in thunderstorm environments often may exceed 1000 joules per kilogram (J/kg), and in extreme cases may exceed 5000 J/kg.


K-Index, PWAT and max shear from 925-800 hPa to 700-500 hPa

K-Index, PWAT and max shear from 925-800 hPa to 700-500 hPa:w

Lifted-Index, PWAT and max shear from 925-800 hPa to 700-500 hPa

Lifted-Index, PWAT and max shear from 925-800 hPa to 700-500 hPa


Monsoon depth

MD - Monsoon depth

Precipitable Water (PWAT)

Precipitable Water (PWAT)


Convergence_850 - 850 hPa convergence

Convergence_850 - 850 hPa convergence

Dewpoint

Dewpoint


Divergence 200 - 200 hPa

Divergence 200 - 200 hPa

Geopotential

Geopotential


Max shear from 925-800 hPa to 700-500 hPa

Max shear from 925-800 hPa to 700-500 hPa

Mean meridional v winds

Mean meridional v winds


Mean sea level pressure (MSLP)

Mean sea level pressure (MSLP)

Potential vorticity (PV)

Potential vorticity (PV)


Rainfall

Rainfall

Rainfall and max shear from 800-925 hPa to 500-700 hPa

Rainfall and max shear from 800-925 hPa to 500-700 hPa


Relative humidity

Relative humidity

Streamlines

Streamlines


2m temperature

2m temperature

500 hPa temperature

500 hPa temperature


hPa potential temperature

hPa potential temperature

hPa wind

hPa wind