Operational Forecasting Using Automated Guidance

The impact of increasing automation of meteorological guidance on manual preparation of operational weather forecasts is discussed. There appears to be some evidence that forecasters are abdicating their meteorological input into the final forecast as automated guidance increases in quantity and quality. Results of a National Weather Service Western Region program to stimulate more forecaster input into the final forecast are given. Suggestions are made regarding “interactive” forecasting using on-station computers in the upcoming Automation of Field Operations and Services (AFOS) era.