The emergence of weather-related test beds linking research and forecasting operations

Test beds have become an integral part of the weather enterprise, bridging research and forecast services by transitioning innovative tools and tested methods that impact forecasts and forecast users. Test bed accomplishments cover a wide range of applications and techniques, from new scientific understanding to better modeling and predictive tools, greater awareness of how weather information is used, and improved outcomes for society. There is usually a specific National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) center that is integrated into the test bed activities including planning, testing, and adoption of suitable new methods and tools. It is recommended for each test bed to work with its research and forecasting experts and stakeholders to identify possible DPMs. Also, from a NOAA perspective, the Testbed and Proving Ground Coordinating Committee has the potential to collect these measures from each test bed and offer support in coordinating across test beds on key measures.