This archive contains answers to questions sent to Unidata support through mid-2025. Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated. For the most up-to-date information on the use of NSF Unidata software and data services, please consult the Software Documentation first.
> Hi, > I was examining the CONDUIT grib-2 files for the GFS 0.5 deg model found at > ftp://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/SL.us008001/ST.opnt/MT.gfs_CY.12/RD.20060720/PT.grid_DF.gr2/ > Specifically, I downloaded the file fh.0054_tl.press_gr.0p5deg_. > _But within the contents of the file I found that there were also > 48-hour forecasts contained in this file along with the 54-hour > forecasts (a little over 5 M of the total 38 M file) > Is this something that is known? > Thanks! > Kevin > > Kevin, I decoded the fh.0054_tl.press_gr.0p5deg file for July 20, and in fact, all grids are F054 as decoded in GEMPAK (gb2ftim.c routine). I suspect your confusion arises due to the the way the time is presented in Product Definition Template 4.8 in GRIB2 for accumulations (Precipitation, max temp etc for example). PDT4.8 Provides a "End time" of the overall period (which is the 54 hour forecast time verification). The "48" you will find in in the forecast time would be the time at which the accumulation, average or extreme period begins since the start time of the model. The 48 by itself outside of the context of the product definition template which is necessary for decoding is amorphous. As in the case of precipitation accumulation, the value is accumulated over the 6 hours, and that value is the accumulation at the end of the period. I'm glad that you are looking in to this data set, as we are about to extend the period delivered to CONDUIT through 180 hours (using the ftpprd ncep files rather than the tgftp file names though). Steve Chiswell Unidata User Support Ticket Details =================== Ticket ID: CQQ-962463 Department: Support CONDUIT Priority: Normal Status: Closed