TOWR-S RPM v22 Feature: ASCAT Winds Legend 

March 15, 2022

 

Q. What is ASCAT Category Winds?
A: Scatterometer wind vectors from ASCAT are now displayed in 5 categories, rather than 4. These categories are defined by speed in knots, grouped by severity and classification. The updated default legend is as follows:

Green = 1 to 24 kts

White = 25 to 33 kts

Yellow = 34 to 47 kts (Gale)

Dark Red = 48 to 63 kts (Storm)

Bright Red >= 64 kts (Hurricane)

The White 25-33 knots category is new with TOWR-S RPM version 22. Previously, all winds under 34 knots were categorized together and Green by default. More information about the ASCAT Winds data can be found in this TOWR-S Dataset Guide.

 

Q. Why was the legend changed?
A: While some regions have a lower threshold, winds that are 25-33 knots meet the Small Craft Advisory (SCA) criteria for all NWS Regions. More information on the SCA directives can be found here.

 

Q. How do I get the new ASCAT Winds legend in AWIPS?
A: The legend is a feature of TOWR-S RPM Version 22 (released Feb 8, 2022), which is available for AWIPS at Weather Forecast Offices and River Forecast Centers. Upon installing the RPM, go to Satellite, Derived Product Plots, Scatterometer Winds, ASCAT Winds 25 km. Click here for instructions on installing TOWR-S RPM Version 22.

 

Questions?

If you have any questions about the ASCAT Winds product, the TOWR-S RPM, or for any other questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact Lee Byerle (lee.byerle@noaa.gov) or John Evans (john.d.evans@noaa.gov). You can also contact us in the NWSChat “towr-s” chatroom.