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of Winter 2005-06 Answer to Question 6 |
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6. You made it through Tuesday the 28th okay. Now it's Wednesday March 1st, again 8:30. Let's read your morning briefing products.
- What are your primary threats today?
- Do the "DAY ONE" WFO hazard and the SPC Outlook agree?
- What afternoon conditions are forecast?
- Are there any new surface features that may complicate the situation?
Answer.
- It still looks like fires are your primary threat today. There is a very small chance of thunderstorms.
- However, if you were just going to read the punchline of the Hazardous Weather Outlook, you might only see "OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER ... NONE." However, the SPC is very adamant about a critical fire weather situation in Oklahoma, and if you read the HWO more closely, you'll see that the forecaster placed the "OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER ... FIRE DANGER WILL REACH EXTREME TODAY DUE TO THE HEAT AND STRONGER WINDS." in the wrong slot (it happens!).
- The early part of the day sounds much like the previous day, but a cold front and associated wind shift complicates matters today. The forecasts expect a switch from southerly to northerly winds.
The Bottom Line:
- Don't just rely on one product or one data source to give you the whole picture. Even a great forecaster at a great office put the right information in the wrong place. Take time to cross-check information! SITUATIONAL AWARENESS!
- A surface boundary can really comlicate your day. Keeping constant track of it is a good idea.
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