NWS Melbourne Marine Web Letter
October 2009

Web Page Changes in November

On or about November 4, 2009, nationally mandated changes to our web page will occur.  One advantage of this change is that the web page down time should be more infrequent.  The main disadvantage is that some links will change.

The link for the main page (www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb) will not change, but their will be a new page layout.

The link for the marine page will change to www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/?n=marine

So if you attempt to use some of your NWS Melbourne bookmarks on/after 11/4 and they don't work, there is nothing wrong with our web page. You'll have to go to www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb and find the new links.


Addition of Wave Period to Coastal Waters Forecast

In mid November, we will be adding the Dominant Wave Period to the Coastal Waters Forecast (first 3 periods of the forecast).  The wave periods will not yet be available in the point and click forecasts.  However, the wave periods are always available out to 7 days by using NOAA Wave Watch Model links.


Nearshore Wave Model

Some of the output from our nearshore wave model has been going into our forecast database.  However, the sea heights were generally low during the warm season, so a thorough evaluation of the model has not been accomplished.  Another higher resolution model for the nearshore waters will also become available soon.  The result should be improved wave height forecasts near the coast, which should be especially noted in the point and click forecasts.


Cool/Dry Season Outlook

The dry/cool season usually begins in mid-late October.  This is the time of year where we are influenced frequently by mid latitude weather systems. This results in more frequent periods of breezy to windy conditions and disturbed seas. Boaters should also be aware of the increased threat of strong/severe storms this dry season due to the present El Niño. Usually we have a month or two of above normal rainfall under these conditions, with more instances of strong/severe storms accompanying the passage of cold fronts. Visit the Experimental Dry Season Forecast for a thorough discussion of how El Niño affects East Central Florida.


Contact a Forecaster 

Problem with the forecast—call 321-255-0212 anytime (after hours Ext. 242).
Just want the forecast—call 321-255-2900 (recording).


Talks

The dry/cool season is a good time for me to get out and give talks about marine forecasting.  If you are interested, the best way to contact me is via email.


Randy Lascody

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