Thank you for Using WSI's ENERGYcast Direct forecasting services. The goal of this site is twofold: ease of use and quick access to crucial information. Feel free to contact WSI with your comments and concerns.
Help Topics:
- Historical
- Prior Day Precip Accumulation
- Weekly Precip Accumulation
- Monthly Precip Accumulation
- Seasonal Precip Accumulation
- Yearly Precip Accumulation
- Monthly Precip - Departures from Normal
- Prior Day Actual Cooling Degree Days
- Prior Day Actual Cooling Degree Days - Departures from Normal
- Prior Day Actual Heating Degree Days
- Prior Day Actual Heating Degree Days - Departures from Normal
- Drought Index
There are two primary ways of navigating the site. On the left of the screen is a navigation area, where data sets are collected into sections.
When one of the areas is selected, such as Historical, you are given a page which contains your selected forecast products. Select the desired product. All images are divided into sectors into which you can enlarge a detailed view. Click on the enlarged view to return to the national image.
Quick access to these areas is available via the navigation area at the top right under the company logo.
The primary method to contact WSI is available in the footer at the bottom of each page, under the copyright information, or by calling your WSI service representative directly.
Weather Data Explained - Radar and Satellite
The NOWrad product is used to track areas of rain, mixed precipitation and snow associated with storm systems capable of bringing strong or damaging winds, hail, or ice accumulation on tree limbs and power lines.
The NOWrad product graphically shows coverage and intensity of precipitation areas across the country, and also color-codes the radar echoes by precipitation type. Radar data is collected every 15 minutes from 140+ radar sites around the country and then mosaicked together into a single image. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
Snow areas are depicted as shades of blue, freezing/mixed precipitation (sleet and/or freezing rain or freezing drizzle, etc.) as pink, and rain areas as green.
What is that pink and blue box in radar imagery?
From
time to time, the WSI NOWRad (RADAR) Imagery may be missing severe weather
echoes. This is often due to a radar site problem or a communications/computer
glitch. When the missing echoes are in a localized area and the intensity
of the missing echoes is above a 40 dbz's (yellow and red color levels),
WSI Quality Control Meteorologists may elect to release the image for
access. When they do, they will include a "pink and blue" warning box
over the area where significant echoes are missing from the mosaic. Great
care should be exercised when viewing the echoes over the effected area
because some/all severe echoes may be missing.
Updated every 15 minutes. Valid for current time.
NOWrad
Loop (Precipitation Type)
The NOWrad Loop product is used to track areas of rain, mixed precipitation and snow associated with storm systems capable of bringing strong or damaging winds, hail, or ice accumulation on tree limbs and power lines.
The NOWrad Loop product graphically shows coverage and intensity of precipitation areas across the country, and also color-codes the radar echoes by precipitation type. Radar data is collected every 15 minutes from 140+ radar sites around the country and then mosaicked together into a single image, these images are then utilized to create a 90 minute looping image, which is updated every 15 minutes. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
Snow areas are depicted as shades of blue, freezing/mixed precipitation (sleet and/or freezing rain or freezing drizzle, etc.) as pink, and rain areas as green.
What is that pink and blue box in radar imagery?
From
time to time, the WSI NOWRad (RADAR) Imagery may be missing severe weather
echoes. This is often due to a radar site problem or a communications/computer
glitch. When the missing echoes are in a localized area and the intensity
of the missing echoes is above a 40 dbz's (yellow and red color levels),
WSI Quality Control Meteorologists may elect to release the image for
access. When they do, they will include a "pink and blue" warning box
over the area where significant echoes are missing from the mosaic. Great
care should be exercised when viewing the echoes over the effected area
because some/all severe echoes may be missing.
Updated every 15 minutes, loop contains prior 90 minute views. Valid
for current time.
The Radar Summary product is used to track areas of rain and severe cells associated with storm systems capable of bringing strong or damaging winds, hail, or tornadoes.
The Radar Summary product graphically shows coverage and intensity of precipitation areas across the country, as well as information on individual thunderstorm cells. Radar data is collected every 15 minutes from 140+ radar sites around the country and then mosaicked together into a single image. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
Thunderstorm cell information is overlaid which includes the speed and direction of individual cells as well as any severe thunderstorm cells that are being detected by Doppler radar. Severe thunderstorm cells will be indicated by one or more of the following three characteristics:
- HAIL - indicates hail has been detected within the thunderstorm cell
- MESO - indicates rotation (or a mesocyclone) has been detected within the thunderstorm cell. Mesocyclones are rotating sections within a storm cell, and can sometimes lead to the development of a tornado in the thunderstorm.
- TVS - indicates a Tornadic Vortex Signature has been detected within the thunderstorm cell. Tornado Vortex Signatures are signatures in the radar echo that often indicate a tornado is occurring or that one may develop shortly.
In addition to radar echoes and storm cell information, the Radar Summary product will also plot any severe thunderstorm or tornado watch boxes that have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) and are currently in effect. Severe thunderstorm watches are plotted as a yellow box, while tornado watches are plotted as a red box. Watch boxes will remain plotted on the image until the watch has been canceled.
What is that pink and blue box in radar imagery?
From
time to time, the WSI NOWRad (RADAR) Imagery may be missing severe weather
echoes. This is often due to a radar site problem or a communications/computer
glitch. When the missing echoes are in a localized area and the intensity
of the missing echoes is above a 40 dbz's (yellow and red color levels),
WSI Quality Control Meteorologists may elect to release the image for
access. When they do, they will include a "pink and blue" warning box
over the area where significant echoes are missing from the mosaic. Great
care should be exercised when viewing the echoes over the effected area
because some/all severe echoes may be missing.
Updated every 15 minutes. Valid for current time.
The NEXRAD product is used to track areas of precipitation, ranging from severe thunderstorms to light snow or drizzle, from one of the 140+ individual National Weather Service (NWS) WSR-88D NEXRAD radar sites around the country.
The NEXRAD product uses the Base Reflectivity product from the NEXRAD radar site. The Base Reflectivity product detects the location and intensity of objects (such as rain) within the radar's range at a 0.5 degree tilt angle.
This product uses 1 km resolution reflectivity data and updates at different intervals depending on the weather situation in the region:
If dry conditions are present with little or no radar echoes in the region, the radar site is in clear air mode, and the Base Reflectivity product will update approximately every 10 minutes.
If precipitation is detected by the radar site, the radar will switch
to precipitation mode and update the Base Reflectivity approximately every
6 minutes. If severe weather is detected by the radar site, the radar
will update the Base Reflectivity approximately every 5 minutes.
The Satellite products are used to determine how heating in the warm season, and cooling in the cold season will be affected by the presence of clouds. Clouds can have a cooling effect during the day, and a blanketing or warming effect at night.
The Satellite products depict areas of cloud cover for various regions around North America including the following areas: National U.S., Eastern U.S., Western U.S., Tropical Atlantic, and Eastern Pacific. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the national United States map.
Several satellites above the Earth sense the temperature of the clouds and send the data back down to Earth. From there, the clouds are color-coded by their detected temperature. This type of satellite image is called an Infrared (IR) image. The brighter the clouds - the colder the cloud tops, while the darker clouds are warmer, therefore are closer to the surface of the Earth. Temperatures get colder with height above the Earth's surface, the brighter clouds are either high ice-crystal (cirrus) clouds or tall thunderstorms, while the darker clouds are usually low clouds or fog.
There is also a red-orange color enhancement to the satellite imagery, which is not to be confused as radar echoes. When present, this color depicts only the highest of clouds and is indicative of possible moderate to heavy precipitation, including thunderstorms, or high ice crystal (cirrus) clouds.
All satellite products update every 30 minutes, except the Tropical
Atlantic satellite image which is updated every 3 hours.
Weather Data Explained - Severe Weather
The STORMcast product is used to track areas of rain and thunderstorms associated with storm systems capable of causing damage due to strong or damaging winds, lightning, hail, flooding or tornadoes.
The STORMcast product graphically shows coverage and intensity of precipitation areas across the country, as well as information on individual thunderstorm cells. Radar data is collected every 5 minutes from 140+ radar sites around the country and then mosaicked together into a single image, with individual thunderstorm cell icons on top. Thunderstorm cells are represented by one of four different icons:
- GREEN CIRCLE - indicates the individual thunderstorm cell that is not necessarily a severe storm, though may still produce some heavy rain, gusty winds and lightning.
- BLUE DIAMOND - indicates hail has been detected within the individual thunderstorm cell. Heavy rain, lightning and strong, gusty winds are also likely occurring within the cell.
- YELLOW SQUARE - indicates rotation or a mesocyclone has been detected within the individual thunderstorm cell. Mesocyclones can sometimes lead to the development of a tornado within the thunderstorm. Damaging winds, hail, dangerous lightning and torrential rains are likely with the cell and precautions should be taken immediately.
- RED TRIANGLE - indicates a possible funnel cloud or tornado
has been detected by Doppler radar. Damaging winds, hail, dangerous
lightning and torrential rains are also likely and precautions should
be taken immediately.
Each cell has attached with it a white cone which represents the 30 minute projected path of that particular cell based on Doppler radar estimates. Cells without any cone are stationary at the current time and have no projected movement.
In addition to radar echoes and storm cell icons, the STORMcast
product will also plot any severe thunderstorm or tornado watch
boxes that have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS)
and are currently in effect. Severe thunderstorm watches are plotted as
a yellow box, while tornado watches are plotted as a red box. Watch boxes
will remain plotted on the image until the watch has been canceled.
National
Severe Weather Alerts National
Severe Thunderstorm/Tornado WatchesNational
Severe Flood SummaryWeather Data Explained - Current Weather Observations
Current
Temperatures The HEAT Index product is used to determine the cooling needs during the warm season when high relative humidity or dew point combine with high temperatures, resulting in hot and humid conditions.
The HEAT Index product depicts the current Heat Index being reported around the United States. The heat index (or apparent temperature) is the perceived temperature resulting from the combined effects of high air temperature and high relative humidity, which reduces the body's ability to cool itself. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates hourly, valid for current time.
The WINDchill product is used to determine the amount of heating needs during the cold season. Under windy and cold conditions, the rate of heat loss inside buildings is greater than if the winds were calm.
The WINDchill product depicts the current wind chill factor being reported around the United States. The wind chill factor is the temperature felt on the skin by the combined effects of low air temperature and wind. The lower the temperature or the stronger the wind, the lower the wind chill factor will be. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates hourly, valid for current time.
Current
City Forecast DataHistorical
City Forecast DataWeather Data Explained - Historical Climatology
The Daily Precip Accumulation product is used to view how much precipitation has accumulated during the past day over a particular region, and is useful for determining flooding potential and ground saturation.
WSI converts radar reflectivity to rainfall accumulation graphically shown in 16 levels of color.
This product updates once daily and is valid for the 24 hour period
ending 7AM EST/8 AM EDT.
The Weekly PRECIP Accumulation product is used to view how much precipitation has accumulated during the past week over a particular region, and is useful for determining flooding potential and ground saturation.
WSI converts radar reflectivity to rainfall accumulation graphically shown in 9 levels of color.
This product updates once daily and is valid for the7 day period ending
7AM EST/8 AM EDT.
The Monthly PRECIP Accumulation product is used to view how much precipitation has accumulated during the past month to date over a particular region, and is useful for determining longer term trends in precipitation anomalies, flooding or fire potential.
WSI converts radar reflectivity to rainfall accumulation graphically shown in 9 levels of color.
This product updates once daily and is valid for the month to date
period ending 7AM EST/8 AM EDT.
The Seasonal PRECIP Accumulation product is used to view how much precipitation has accumulated during the past season to date over a particular region, and is useful for determining longer term trends in precipitation anomalies, flooding or fire potential.
WSI converts radar reflectivity to rainfall accumulation graphically shown in 9 levels of color.
This product updates once daily and is valid for the season to date
period ending 7AM EST/8 AM EDT. The seasons are defined as December -
February (Winter), March - May (Spring), June - August (Summer), September
- November (Fall).
The Yearly PRECIP Accumulation product is used to view how much precipitation has accumulated during the past year to date over a particular region, and is useful for determining longer term trends in precipitation anomalies, flooding or fire potential.
WSI converts radar reflectivity to rainfall accumulation graphically shown in 9 levels of color.
This product updates once daily and is valid for the year to date
period ending 7AM EST/8 AM EDT.
Monthly
PRECIP - Departures from NormalPrior
Day Actual Cooling Degree DaysPrior
Day Actual Cooling Degree Days - Departures from NormalPrior
Day Actual Heating Degree DaysPrior
Day Actual Heating Degree Days - Departures from NormalDrought
Index Weather Data Explained - Forecast Temperatures
The MINTEMPcast product depicts forecast minimum temperatures across the United States. The color-coded temperature contours enable you to quickly determine the location of warm and cold air masses.
The MINTEMPcast product is used to determine the heating needs in the cold season, and cooling needs in the warm season during the overnight hours, the time of maximum cooling.
This product updates twice daily with forecasts for both today's high
and tomorrow's high temperatures.
The MAXTEMPcast product is used to help determine the heating needs in the cold season, and cooling needs in the warm season during the day, at the time of maximum heating.
The MAXTEMPcast product depicts forecast maximum temperatures across the United States. The contours color-code temperatures so warm and cold air masses can be easily seen. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates twice daily with forecasts for both today's high
and tomorrow's high temperatures.
The TEMPcast product is used to help determine the heating needs in the cold season, and cooling needs in the warm season at various times throughout the day.
The TEMPcast product depicts forecast temperatures across the United States. The contours color-code temperatures so warm and cold air masses can be easily seen. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates twice daily with forecasts valid for 6 hour intervals
extending out to 48 hours.
Forecast
Cooling Degree DayThe 6-10 Day is used to visualize the temperature trends for the 6-10 day period, and can be used to gauge longer term heating or cooling needs for your region.
The 6-10 Day product graphically depicts the forecasted temperature departures from normal for the upcoming 6-10 day period.
This product updates 3 times weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
with forecasts valid for the 6-10 day period.
The 30 Day is used to visualize the temperature trends for the 30 day period, and can be used to gauge long term heating or cooling needs for your region.
The 30 Day product graphically depicts the forecasted temperature departures from normal for a period of 30 days.
This product updates once per month, mid-month with forecasts valid
for 30 days.
The 90 Day is used to visualize the temperature trends for the 90 day period, and can be used to gauge long term heating or cooling needs for your region.
The 90 Day product graphically depicts the forecasted temperature departures from normal for a period of 90 days.
This product updates once per month, mid-month with forecasts valid
for 90 days.
Weather Data Explained - Precipitation
The POPcast product is used to help forecast areas of rainfall or snowfall which could lead to flooding rains or heavy snow accumulation.
The POPcast product uses advanced computer model data to contour the probability of precipitation (POP) across the nation. Contour values of 20% or greater are drawn, with intervals every 10%. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates twice daily with forecasts valid for 24 hours,
36 hours, 48 hours, 60 hours, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6 and Day 7.
The PRECIPcast product uses advanced computer model precipitation forecasts to depict areas of forecast measurable rainfall or snowfall.
Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates daily with forecasts valid for 6 hour intervals
extending out to 48 hours. Forecast precipitation contours are only for
a 6 hour period. For example, the 30 hour forecast gives precipitation
amounts valid for the 24 to 30 hour period, not for the 0 to 30 hour period.
The SNOWcast product uses National Weather Service (NWS) computer model snowfall forecasts to depict areas of measurable snow across the country.
Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates twice daily with forecasts valid for 6 hour and
12 hour intervals extending out to 48 hours. Forecast snowfall contours
are only for a 6 or 12 hour period. For example, the 36 hour forecast
gives snowfall amounts valid for the 24 to 36 hour period, not for the
0 to 36 hour period.
The THUNDERcast product is used to help forecast the probability of thunderstorms, along with possibility of damage due to lightning, high winds, hail or flooding.
The THUNDERcast product uses advanced computer model data to contour the probability of thunderstorms across the nation. Contour values of 10% or greater are drawn, with intervals every 10%. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates twice daily with forecasts valid for 18 hours,
30 hours, 42 hours and 54 hours.
6-10
Day Precipitation Outlook
The 6-10 Day is used to visualize the precipitation trends for the 6-10 day period, and can be used to gauge longer term hydroelectric and soil moisture needs for your region.
The 6-10 Day product graphically depicts the forecasted precipitation departures from normal for the upcoming 6-10 day period.
This product updates 3 times weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
with forecasts valid for the 6-10 day period.
The 30 Day is used to visualize the precipitation trends for the 30 day period, and can be used to gauge long term hydroelectric and soil moisture needs for your region.
The 30 Day product graphically depicts the forecasted precipitation departures from normal for a period of 30 days.
This product updates once per month, mid-month with forecasts valid
for 30 days.
The 90 Day is used to visualize the precipitation trends for the 90 day period, and can be used to gauge long term hydroelectric and soil moisture needs for your region.
The 90 Day product graphically depicts the forecasted precipitation departures from normal for a period of 90 days.
This product updates once per month, mid-month with forecasts valid
for 90 days.
Weather Data Explained - Forecast Graphics
The HUMIDITYcast is used as a measure of how dry or humid the air feels, which affects ones comfort level in the warm season. With warm temperatures and high relative humidity, cooling demands increase.
The HUMIDITYcast product depicts the amount of moisture in the air using forecast relative humidity values from stations around the United States. Relative humidity is the percent of moisture in the air to that of saturated air. A relative humidity of 100% means the air is fully saturated. Contour values are in 10% increments. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates twice daily with forecasts valid for 6 hour intervals
extending out to 48 hours.
The DEWPOINTcast product is used as a measure of how dry or moist the air feels, which affects ones comfort level in the warm season. With warm air temperatures and high dew point temperatures (generally above 60o), cooling demands increase.
The DEWPOINTcast product depicts forecast dew point temperature values from stations around the United States. The dew point temperature is the temperature the air must be cooled to for saturation to occur. The higher the dew point in the warm season, the more humid it feels. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates twice daily with forecasts valid for 6 hour intervals
extending out to 48 hours.
The WINDcast product is used to display forecast wind speed and direction at the surface. In addition to alerting to the possibility of high winds, the WINDcast product can also be used to forecast calm or light wind conditions which can lead to inversions or poor dispersion conditions. The forecast of wind direction also helps predict the downwind location of dispersed airborne matter.
The WINDcast product graphically depicts surface wind speed in contour intervals of 5 mph along with surface wind direction lines, or streamlines on top. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates twice daily for current winds, and forecast winds
valid for 6 hour intervals extending out to 48 hours.
The CLOUDcast product is used to determine how heating in the warm season, and cooling in the cold season will be affected by the presence of clouds. Clouds can have a cooling effect during the day, and a blanketing or warming effect at night.
The CLOUDcast product depicts forecast cloud cover across the United States using advanced computer model information. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates twice daily with forecasts valid for 6 hour intervals
through 12 hours, and 6 hour intervals through 48 hours.
The DAYcast product is used to track inclement weather that may move over your region. Storm systems capable of bringing severe weather, high winds, freezing rain or snow can be monitored as much as 48 hours in advance.
The DAYcast product graphically depicts forecasted weather features, including fronts, highs and lows, precipitation areas and type, as well as cloud cover.
This product updates twice daily with forecasts valid for the 12,
24, 36 and 48 hour forecast periods.
The Inversion Strength product is used to measure the amount of mixing or dispersion of air that will occur near the Earth's surface and can be used to evaluate the dispersion of airborne matter.
The Inversion Strength product is a calculation of the increase in temperature with height from the earth's surface to approximately 5000 feet. Temperatures typically decrease with height from the earth's surface. When temperatures increase with height from the earth's surface, an inversion is present. The quicker the temperature increases with height, the stronger the inversion, leading to less mixing or dispersing of the air near the earth's surface. Regional U.S. sectors can be obtained by selecting your region of interest on the United States map.
This product updates every 3 hours with forecasts valid for 3 hour
intervals extending out to 12 hours.
Weather Data Explained - WSI City Forecasts
WSI
Custom City Forecasts/Observations
The City Forecasts/Observations products are created based on
custom user requirements in either a text or tabular format. All forecasts
are based on ICWF forecast data interpreted by a WSI Meteorologist.
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For more information:
Call: (978) 670-5052
Email: ENERGYcast Operational Support
