Metcheck GFS Model Charts

Model Run / Finish Times

00z : Start Time : 03:35UTC
06z : Start Time : 09:35UTC
12z : Start Time : 15:35UTC
18z : Start Time : 21:35UTC
00z : Start Time : 03:25UTC
06z : Start Time : 09:25UTC
12z : Start Time : 15:25UTC
18z : Start Time : 21:25UTC

Model Variables

CAPE - This is the Convective Available Potential Energy variable and shows the instability of the atmosphere and risk of thunderstorms.
Gust Wind - This displays the maximum wind gust at 10m above ground.
500hpa Geopot Height - This displays the geopotential height at 500mb. This is used by meteorologists to identify upper level ridges and troughs which can be distorted by surface features in Summer and Winter.
IR Satellite/Radar - This systems a synthetic forecast Infra Red Satellite image and the forecast radar echoes in Dbz which we convert to mm/hr.
Overview - This displays an overview chart. You can see the temperature, cloud cover (if available) and type of precipitation (if available)
Precip Rate - This displays the precipitation rate to ascertain how heavy the precipitation will be.
Total Rainfall - This displays the total accumulated precipitation since the start of the model run.
2m Temp - This displays the average temperature at 2m above ground within the forecast period where observations are usually taken.
850mb Temp - This displays the temperature at 850mb in the atmosphere. This level is used as it is unaffected by daytime heating and nighttime cooling and allows us to see the airmass movements clearly.
Snow Depth - This is the forecast snowfall depth and includes previous snow depths when the model started.
Wind Spd/Dir - This displays the wind direction (using barbs) and wind speed at 10m above ground.
Winter Overview - This displays a more advanced precipitation type forecast. You can also see the forecast snow depth cover.
Freezing Level - This is the level in the atmosphere at which the temperature above is below freezing. We use this for snow and winter forecast.