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February 5, 2026

The new BMRC Limited Area Prediction System, LAPS

Key Points

This paper aims to describe the new limited area numerical weather prediction model and its operational implementation.
Implemented a new limited area numerical weather prediction model and data assimilation system.
Operated with grid spacings of 0.75° and 0.25° for improved resolution.
Conducted pre-operational trials to assess performance during significant weather events.
Successfully provided twice-daily 48-hour forecasts over Australia.
Demonstrated improved accuracy during significant weather events.
Outlined directions for future development of the forecasting system.

Abstract

In July 1996 a new limited area numerical weather prediction model and data assimilation system was implemented operationally by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to provide twice-daily 48-hour forecasts over the Australian region. The forecast model has a horizontal latitude/longitude grid spacing of 0.75° in its operational form, but routinely runs over an inner mesh with a grid spacing of 0.25°. This system, known as LAPS, was developed in the Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre (BMRC). It is the purpose of this paper to provide a detailed description of the new system, to document the results of the pre-operational trials in the BMRC, to present examples of its performance in significant weather events, and to indicate directions of further development.

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