Best for:
• Thunderstorms
• Squalls & gust fronts
• Local wind shifts
• Fast-changing conditions
👉 Use HRRR when you’re going out today.
Good for:
• Frontal systems
• Regional wind patterns
• Pressure changes
👉 Use NAM for weekend planning.
Good for:
• Storm tracks
• Developing pressure systems
• Pattern evolution
👉 Use ECMWF to see where the weather is heading in general.
Best for:
• Long-range trends
• Planning ahead
• Seeing developing systems
👉 Use GFS for the overall outlook — not fine local detail.
Short-term forecasts → High resolution, local weather
Long-term forecasts → Low resolution, big picture
✅ For short-term:
HRRR + NAM
✅ For mid-range:
ECMWF + GFS
🤙 Pro tip: Compare models
🟢If they agree → confidence increases.
🔴If they differ → conditions are uncertain.