The first World Weather Research Programme (WWRP) Forecast Demonstration Project (FDP), with a focus on nowcasting, was conducted in Sydney, Australia, from 4 September to 21 November 2000 during a period associated with the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Through international collaboration, nine nowcasting systems from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia were deployed at the Sydney Office of the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) to demonstrate the capability of modern forecast systems and to quantify the associated benefits in the delivery of a real-time nowcast service. On-going verification and impact studies supported by international committees assisted by the WWRP formed an integral part of this project. A description is given of the project, including component systems, the weather, and initial outcomes. Initial results show that the nowcasting systems tested were transferable and able to provide valuable information enhancing BOM nowcasts. The project provided for unprecedented interchange of concepts and ideas between forecasters, researchers, and end users in an operational framework where they all faced common issues relevant to real time nowcast decision making. A training workshop sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) was also held in conjunction with the project so that other member nations could benefit from the FDP.
Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Meteorological Service of Canada, Downsview, Ontario, Canada
National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado
University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
Met Office, Braknell, Berkshire, United Kingdom
National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, Oklahoma
Bureau of Meteorology, Hydrology Branch, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Bureau of Meteorology Central Training Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Bureau of Meteorology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
