Section 3. Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB)

9-3-1. GENERAL

Wind and temperature aloft forecasts (FB) are computer璸repared and issued by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at Suitland, Maryland. The forecasts are valid 6 (FB1/8), 12 (FB2/9), and 24 (FB 3/10) hours after the observation date/times of 0000Z, 0600Z, 1200Z, and 1800Z upon which they are based. See TBL 9񪏕 for wind/temperature aloft forecast schedules.

TBL 9-3-1
Wind/Temperature Aloft Forecast Schedules

9-3-2. LEVELS FORECAST

Dependent upon station elevation, FB1/2/3 wind forecasts are issued for the following levels: 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 34, and 39 thousand foot levels. The first level for which a wind forecast is issued is 1,500 feet or more above the station elevation. Temperature is forecast for all wind levels that are 2,500 feet or more above the station. No temperature is forecast for the 3,000 foot level. The minus signs are deleted preceding the temperatures at the 30, 34, and 39 thousand foot levels. FB8/9/10 are for the 45,000 and 53,000 foot levels. They are not normally disseminated on Service A, but are available on request/reply.

9-3-3. DISTRIBUTION

All FBs are transmitted to the WMSCR by NCEP. Distribution by the WMSCR is accomplished in accordance with established program requirements..