The Meteorological Development Laboratory (MDL) conducts applied research and development for the improvement of diagnostic and prognostic weather information; data depiction and utilization; warning and forecast product preparation and dissemination; forecast evaluation; and impact-based decision support services. Projects involve physical, dynamical, and statistical applications and tools implemented on NWS operational systems. Emphasis is placed on integrated suites of guidance and products for Weather Forecast Offices, River Forecast Centers, and National Centers, and NWS Core Partners. The Laboratory collaborates with other laboratories and centers within and outside of NOAA and actively seeks to identify new scientific and technical solutions in response to NWS mission requirements. The Laboratory provides science, technology, and development support to other elements of the Office of Science and Technology Integration (STI) as well as NWS as a whole.
The Laboratory is composed of four branches which develop and produce scientific techniques and technological tools which better enable forecasters to make accurate predictions and better disseminate information about weather, water, and climate effects to the general public. MDL is focusing its efforts through projects including: integration of global models to create consistent forecast products with probabilistic information (National Blend of Models), improved tools for project management and collaboration (V-lab), and interaction between forecasters and users (Impacts Catalog). The lab also aims to continue the production and verification of high-quality environmental models and deterministic and probabilistic forecast products (Statistical Post Processing, NDFD, Storm Surge).
The laboratory's home offices are located in the NWS Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The laboratory currently employs approximately 70 federal and contracted employees, and is a frequent collaborator with many other national and international weather-prediction and research agencies.
