Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model
The Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) model is a specialized version of the weather model used to predict where hurricanes will go and how strong they will be. It was developed by NOAA, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, the University of Rhode Island, and Florida State University, and became operational in 2007. It is the main model behind the National Hurricane Center’s forecasts for hurricane tracks and intensity, using data from satellites, buoys, and reconnaissance aircraft to access more weather information than previous models. It is designed to run at higher resolution to capture smaller features.
HWRF uses a nested grid system with an outer domain at 27 km and an inner domain at 9 km, with 42 vertical levels. Its vortex initialization starts from a 6-hour forecast and uses regional GSI 3DVAR data assimilation to form the initial hurricane vortex that matches the intensity and structure parameters provided by NHC. It is coupled to a high-resolution version of the Princeton Ocean Model for the Atlantic, with ocean initialization using observed altimeter data to better represent the Loop Current and Gulf Stream. Mary Glackin of NOAA’s National Weather Service says HWRF will provide unprecedented detail and, over time, improve forecasts of tropical cyclone intensity, waves and storm surge, and inland flooding. She calls it one of the most dynamic tools for forecasters.
Development began in 2002, and HWRF became operational in 2007. It is designed to eventually replace the GFDL model, which continued to run in 2007 and remained operational through 2012.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 16:34 (CET).