Overview of PyroCAST-NUCAPS

 

Course Description

This 15-minute course spotlights PyroCAST-NUCAPS, the PyroCb Atmospheric Assessment Tool (PyroCAST) that is trained using the NOAA-Unique Combined Atmospheric Processing System (NUCAPS) sounding data and designed to provide the probability of pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) development over a 6 to 12-hour period for individual wildfire events. Throughout the course, learners are provided a brief overview of where to access and how to interpret PyroCAST-NUCAPS products to better assess potential pyroCb development in active wildfire environments.

A satellite image of California wildfires with pyroCB products.

In this case, the PyroCAST-NUCAPS product successfully identified a high probability environment that resulted in intense pyroCb development (areas shaded in orange). At this time, many of the wildfires detected across southern California were intense enough to take advantage of the favorable atmospheric conditions for pyroCb development.

 

Intended Audience

The intended audience for "Overview of PyroCAST-NUCAPS” includes those responsible for monitoring wildfire environments and providing decision support on fire behavior and fire-generated convection. Others interested in using prediction tools for improving their situational awareness of potential pyroCb development may also be interested.

 

Course Access

You can access the course here (MetEd login required).

 

Questions or Comments? 

We welcome any comments or questions you may have regarding the content, instructional approach, or use of this lesson. Please e-mail your comments or questions to Vanessa Vincente (vincente@ucar.edu). For technical support, please visit our Registration and Support FAQs: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/help