A Real-Time, Simulated Forecasting Experiment for Advancing the Prediction of Hazardous Convective Weather

The 2019 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Forecasting Experiment (2019 SFE)—led by the NWS/Storm Prediction Center (SPC) and OAR/National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)—was conducted 29 April–31 May. SFEs test emerging concepts and new technologies for improving severe weather prediction and accelerating new tools into operations. By bringing different parts of the community together in a pseudo-operational environment, the SFEs provide an opportunity for forecasters to gain knowledge about state-of-the-art developments in the science and for researchers to better understand operational requirements and challenges so their work can optimally address forecaster needs. SFE participants in 2019 included about 100 forecasters, researchers, and students from around the world.