Hemispherical Prediction by Statistical Techniques

A statistical procedure suitable for forecasting the hemispherical midtropospheric contour-height distribution is developed. Least-squares empirical filters are designed to yield the 24-hour 500-mb contour heights as functions of the preceding two-day sequence of contour heights at the same level. The results indicate that the statistical procedure may provide useful forecasts for twenty-four hours over regions of the hemisphere with adequate data coverage. The utility of the system for extended-range forecasting is also discussed.