Summary: Although the National Weather Service (NWS) has nearly completed its systems modernization effort, it still faces important challenges. During the coming year, NWS plans to finish commissioning the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS), the final system of the modernization effort. NWS is also developing additional AWIPS system capabilities to be implemented in the future. These additional capabilities are needed to improve radar and satellite processing and provide weather forecasters with a full range of interactive forecasting techniques, according to NWS. The agency is also developing a systems architecture to provide a blueprint for future systems acquisitions. Regarding the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continues to deploy weather satellites to ensure adequate satellite coverage. Because of unexpected problems, however, satellite coverage is now at risk and will remain so until a new satellite is successfully launched. NOAA plans to launch the new satellite in May 2000.
