December 23, 2024, 02:08:04 PM

Author Topic: BUFKIT...pretty awesome!  (Read 2364 times)

Offline P71nnacle

  • Ultimate Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2537
  • Gender: Male
  • Penn State Alum '10
    • View Profile
    • Rarely used Xanga
  • HD Channel #: 815
  • HD WxStar ID #: ---
  • SD Channel #: 16
  • SD WxStar ID #: 22420
  • WxScan Ch. #: 101
  • WxStar Version: IntelliStar
BUFKIT...pretty awesome!
« on: May 01, 2010, 12:38:06 AM »
I don't know how many of you have ever tried to use BUFKIT before, but if you are a weather geek like me and like to read model soundings, definitely you should try to use it. I discovered it about a couple of weeks ago (and am glad that I did.)

Essentially, what BUFKIT does is access raw data out of computer models such as NAM, GFS, and RUC for a given station, e.g. KLIT for Little Rock, AK, KPIT for Pittsburgh International Arpt, PA, and puts it into a GUI for deciding forecasts.

I actually played with it a bit at NWS last summer, but I am VERY  :dance: that NWS made it available for consumption. It's a bit of a hassle putting in the models you want (command line stuff in a complementary program called BUFGET) but once you get it programmed, it's AWESOME.

I have a screenshot below to give you an idea for what this is about. (I picked one to catch your eyes. Look at the Showalter and SWEAT indexes!) But definitely, if you Google it, try it. You'll thank me.  :happy:

Offline TWCToday

  • Ultimate Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6151
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Norfolk Weather Station
  • Cable Provider: COX
  • HD Channel #: 724
  • HD WxStar ID #: 029745
  • SD Channel #: 24
  • SD WxStar ID #: 22568
  • WxStar Version: IntelliStar
Re: BUFKIT...pretty awesome!
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2010, 01:04:02 AM »
This is a lifesaver in winter. Perfect for seeing what type of precip you are going to end up with.

phw115wvwx

  • Guest
Re: BUFKIT...pretty awesome!
« Reply #2 on: May 01, 2010, 01:31:28 AM »
I've seen this program a lot although I've never used it much yet.  You just have to be careful to make sure the model soundings are still in agreement with reality.  Otherwise, it's great for severe weather and wintry precipitation.  I can see why tonight was such a bad night in Arkansas after looking at that above sounding.