Section 3. Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB)

  1. GENERAL

Wind and temperature aloft forecasts (FB) are computer-prepared and issued by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at Suitland, Maryland. The forecasts are valid 6, 12, and 24 hours after the observation date/times of 0000Z, 0600Z, 1200Z, and 1800Z based on National Weather Service Instruction 10-812, Aviation Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecasts. See TBL 8-3-1 for wind/temperature aloft forecast schedules.

TBL 8-3-1
Wind/Temperature Aloft Forecast Schedules

Type

Base Data Time

Valid for

For use (period)

FB1/8

0000Z

0600Z

0200-0900Z

FB2/9

0000Z

1200Z

0900-1800Z

FB3/10

0000Z

0000Z

1800-0600Z

FB1/8

0600Z

1200Z

0800-1500Z

FB2/9

0600Z

1800Z

1500-0000Z

FB3/10

0600Z

0600Z

0000-1200Z

FB1/8

1200Z

1800Z

1400-2100Z

FB2/9

1200Z

0000Z

2100-0600Z

FB3/10

1200Z

1200Z

0600-1800Z

FB1/8

1800Z

0000Z

2000-0300Z

FB2/9

1800Z

0600Z

0300-1200Z

FB3/10

1800Z

1800Z

1200-0000Z

NOTE-

See National Weather Service Instruction 10-812, Aviation Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecasts.

  1. LEVELS FORECAST

Dependent upon station elevation, 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, 39, 45, and 53 thousand foot levels.

  1. DISTRIBUTION

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