AWH 2-3

Chapter 2, Aviation Weather Service Program 2-3 2.2.2.1.2 Aviation Weather Center (AWC) The Aviation Weather Center (AWC) in Kansas City, MO, issues a suite of aviation weather forecasts in support of the National Airspace System (NAS) that are described in this handbook, including Airmen’s Meteorological Information (AIRMET), significant meteorological information (SIGMET), Convective SIGMETs, and various icing, turbulence, and convective forecast products. The AWC is a Meteorological Watch Office (MWO) for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The AWC, in conjunction with the NCO, also serves as one of two ICAO World Area Forecast Centers (WAFC), known as WAFC Washington, issuing flight planning data (winds and temperatures) and Significant Weather (SIGWX) forecasts. The AWC’s website provides the aviation community with textual, digital, and graphical forecasts, analyses, and observations of aviation-related weather variables. Additionally, the website provides information for international flights through the World Area Forecast System (WAFS) grids which are used to support the Internet File Service (WIFS), which is a separate system. 2.2.2.1.3 Weather Prediction Center (WPC) The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) in College Park, MD, provides analysis and forecast products specializing in multiday, quantitative precipitation forecasts and weather forecast guidance, weather model diagnostics discussions, and surface pressure and frontal analyses. 2.2.2.1.4 Storm Prediction Center (SPC) The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, OK, provides tornado and severe weather watches for the CONUS along with a suite of hazardous weather forecasts. 2.2.2.1.5 National Hurricane Center (NHC) The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, FL, provides official NWS forecasts of the movement and strength of tropical weather systems and issues the appropriate watches and warnings for the CONUS and surrounding areas. It also issues a suite of marine products covering the tropical Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of America, and tropical eastern Pacific. In support of ICAO, the NHC is also referred to as a Tropical Cyclone Advisory Center (TCAC). 2.2.2.1.6 Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) in Boulder, CO, provides space weather information (e.g., current activity and forecasts) to a wide variety of users. The SWPC is also an ICAO Space Weather Center and is responsible for issuing global advisories for space weather events affecting communication and navigation systems as well as events that pose a potential health hazard to passengers and crew. 2.2.2.1.7 Alaska Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU) The Alaska Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU), located in Anchorage, AK, is an MWO for ICAO. The AAWU is responsible for the entire Anchorage FIR. They issue a suite of aviation weather products for the airspace over Alaska and adjacent coastal waters, including AIRMETs, SIGMETs, FAs, and SIGWX Prognostic Charts. The AAWU is also designated as the Anchorage VAAC. The VAAC area of responsibility includes the Anchorage FIR and Far Eastern Russia and is responsible for the issuance of Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAA).