world area forecast center


world area forecast center (WAFC)

A meteorological center designated to prepare and supply upper-air forecasts in digital form on a global basis to regional area forecast centers (ICAO). A contracting state, having accepted the responsibility for providing a WAFC within the framework of the world area forecast system, must arrange for that center to:
i. Prepare a global forecast for grid points in digital form for all required levels and in standard format. The forecast must comprise upper-air winds, upper-air temperatures, tropopause heights, and maximum wind speed, direction, and height.
ii. Prepare global forecasts of significant weather phenomena.
iii. Issue forecasts referred to in (i) and (ii) in digital and/or pictorial form.
iv. Prepare and issue amendments to the forecasts.