NOAA Supercomputers Boost U.S. Weather Forecasts

NOAA has completed implementation of the final phase of a nine-year, $180 million contract by installing the newest generation of IBM supercomputers for weather and climate prediction.

The primary system, Stratus, and its backup, Cirrus, will allow NOAA to run more models in an effort to improve forecast accuracy and extend watch and warning lead times for severe weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, air quality, wildfires, floods, tsunamis, and winter storms.