University helping out D-M forecasters

[unhappycamper]

University helping out D-M forecasters
The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Dec 10, 2007 13:19:14 EST

TUCSON, Ariz. — Davis-Monthan Air Force base pilots are getting help avoiding stormy skies from a University of Arizona program that allows military weather forecasters to get a clearer picture of what’s happening in the atmosphere.

The program was developed nationally but tailored to Arizona’s unique climate by the UA’s Physics and Atmospheric Sciences Department.

The Air Force personnel forecasting the weather at Davis-Monthan are responsible for providing accurate information for all military flights in the United States west of the Rocky Mountains, so it’s important that they use the best technology available, said Capt. Bill Ryerson, a member of the 25th Operational Weather Squadron.

The National Weather Service already puts out forecasts, but the Air Force’s work focuses both on ground conditions and what’s occurring in the atmosphere where the military aircraft are flying.

“Forecasting for aircraft is much more sensitive than determining if it’s going to rain on your picnic on Saturday,” Ryerson said.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/12/ap_forecast_071210/