Evaluation of the National Air Quality Forecast System (NAQFS): Summary of the air quality forecasters focus group workshop

The implementation of National Air Quality Forecast (NAQF) program by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in association with the USEPA is discussed. The purpose of NAFQ is to provide ozone, fine particulate matter and pollutant forecasts with sufficient accuracy and advance notice to follow actions to reduce adverse health effects. This cooperative relationship recognizes the responsibility of the state and local governments to develop pollution control strategies, based on EPA guidance. It is noted that the spatial location of maximum ozone plume has been well forecast by the model, which suggests that the meteorological model is successful in providing low level, and fine scale wind forecasts.