All critical operational systems were converted to be Y2K ready in March 1999. Contingency procedures were also developed to address unforeseen Y2K-related disruptions. As part of Y2K contingency, critical aviation weather information are also placed on the Internet for access during the rollover period.

In the second half of 1999, the data communication links which facilities the exchange of GTS data and numerical products between the meteorological services of Indonesia, Melbourne and Singapore, were upgraded to higher speeds.

In December 1999, the NEC SX3 was replaced by a NEC SX-4 supercomputer.

New networking and graphical visualisation equipment has been acquired to replace the existing SUN server and workstations. The new equipment include Silicon Graphics Origin 2000 server, Onyx2 graphic system and Octane visual workstations. The new network supports Gigabit Ethernet, 10/100BaseT Ethernet and FDDI.

The equipment for the meteorological data processing system include a NEC SX4 supercomputer (16GB main memory, 128 GB disk storage, 16 Gflops), 2 Fujitsu M1600 mainframes, a number of mini-computers (Fujitsu DS90s, SUN server, VAX), workstations (SUN Sparcs, Silicon Graphics) and a network of PCs.

Data

The following reports were received daily. Figures denote the daily average number for the respective reports.

• SYNOP - 6800 reports

• SHIP - 400 reports

• PPAA - 400 reports

• TTAA - 520 reports

• AIREP (incl AMDAR) - 1600 reports

• SATOB - 1300 reports

• ECMWF - 125 bulletins

• GRIB ECMWF (from GTS)

• GRIB EGRR (from SADIS system and point-to-point computer link)

• GRIB KWBC (from SADIS system)

• GRIB JMA (from Distributed Data Base server of RSMC Tokyo)

Automated.

Quality control checks are performed during the decoding, pre-analysis and analysis stages. These include climatological check, vertical and horizontal consistency check and gross error check.

Monitoring is carried out at the national level.

Operational NWP runs are carried out twice a day for the 0000 UTC analysis.

Global Analysis Model (GAM) : no change

Global Spectral Model (GSM) : no change

No change.

The lowest level wind forecasts from the UKMO and JMA models are used to drive the sea-state model, while selected FLM forecasts are used as input fields for the air dispersion model.

No change.

FLM-12 (40.0E-180.0E; 50.0N-45.0S) and VFM-13 (92.4E-125.8E; 20.6N-12.2S)

No change.

NWP products such as winds, relative humidity and precipitation are used as guidance tools in operational forecasting.

A long-range Lagrangian dispersion model and a forward trajectory model (adapted from the JMA).

Wave forecasts

The third generation WAM (Wave Modeling) model is run for two domains covering the globe (coarse run) and the Asia-Pacific region 60N-20S; 60E-180E (nested run).

7.4.3 Numerical weather prediction products

3-dimensional forward trajectories starting at 500m, 1500m and 3000m above the ground; time-integrated air concentrations within 500m layer above the ground; surface deposition (dry) of airborne pollutants.

7.4.4 Operational techniques for application of NWP products

The main application of the dispersion models is to generate forecast products for environmental emergencies such as episodes of smoke haze and volcanic ash, and nuclear accidents.

The Graphics Visualisation System is being revamped to optimise the resources offered with the new equipment.

The HYSPLIT-4 (Hybrid Single_Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectories) dispersion model will be implemented with the assistance of NOAA Air Resources Laboratory to provide improved dispersion predictions during the regional smoke haze episodes.

Explore the adaptation and implementation of a more advanced high resolution limited-area NWP model to replace the current models (FLM and VFM).