GribStream

Climate Forecast System (CFS Radiative Fluxes)

GribStream Code: cfsflxf

Description

The Climate Forecast System (CFS), developed by NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), is a state-of-the-art global weather and climate model designed for medium- to long-range forecasting—spanning from days up to several seasons. CFS integrates atmospheric, oceanic, land surface, and sea ice components into a fully coupled modeling framework, delivering highly detailed and reliable forecasts for climate trends, seasonal outlooks, and extended-range weather events. By assimilating real-time observations from satellites, ocean buoys, and weather stations worldwide, CFS ensures its predictions reflect the current state of the Earth system, making it an essential tool for researchers, meteorologists, and organizations that rely on accurate climate guidance.

The CFS Radiative Fluxes product provides forecasts of key energy flows within the Earth’s climate system, including shortwave and longwave radiation at the surface and top of atmosphere. These variables are essential for studying energy budgets, surface heating, and the impacts of clouds and aerosols on climate. Accurate radiative flux data helps researchers and energy analysts understand the drivers behind temperature changes, solar power generation potential, and climate variability on both regional and global scales.

Detail

Parameters

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Click a parameter to reveal variants in a compact table with ready-to-copy JSON selectors.

ACOND –Aerodynamic Conductance (m/s)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2

Aerodynamic conductance measures the efficiency of turbulent exchange of heat and moisture between the surface and atmosphere. It depends on wind speed, stability, and surface roughness and is used in surface energy balance and evapotranspiration calculations.

  • Units: m/s.
  • Higher values indicate stronger surface-atmosphere coupling and faster exchange.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"ACOND","level":"surface","info":""}
ALBDO –Surface Albedo (percent)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-6

Surface albedo is the fraction of incoming shortwave radiation reflected by the surface. Higher albedo means less solar energy absorbed and a cooler surface.

  • Units: percent.
  • Important for snow and ice feedbacks and surface energy balance.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"ALBDO","level":"surface","info":""}
CDUVB –Clear Sky UV-B Downward Solar Flux (W/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-4

Clear‑sky UV‑B downward flux is UV‑B radiation at the surface without cloud effects. It is used for UV exposure estimates.

  • Units: W/m².
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"CDUVB","level":"surface","info":""}
CNWAT –Plant Canopy Surface Water (kg/m^2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Plant canopy surface water is liquid water intercepted by vegetation. It represents interception storage and evaporation potential.

  • Units: kg/m^2.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"CNWAT","level":"surface","info":""}
CPRAT –Convective Precipitation Rate (kg/m²/s)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Convective precipitation rate is the intensity of precipitation produced by convection. It highlights storm‑driven rainfall rates.

  • Units: kg/m²/s.
  • Accumulations represent water-equivalent depth over the output interval; rates describe intensity.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"CPRAT","level":"surface","info":""}
CRAIN –Categorical Rain (flag)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Categorical indicator of rain occurrence at the surface during the output period. Useful as a yes/no mask for rain.

  • Units: flag.
  • Use with accumulation or rate fields for intensity.
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.222
Source
0
No
1
Yes
255
Missing
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"CRAIN","level":"surface","info":""}
CSDLF –Clear Sky Downward Longwave Radiation Flux (W/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-5

Downward longwave (thermal) flux represents incoming energy at the surface. Clear-sky versions remove cloud effects to isolate the atmospheric background.

  • Units: W/m².
  • Shortwave affects surface heating; longwave affects radiative cooling.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"CSDLF","level":"surface","info":""}
CSDSF –Clear Sky Downward Shortwave Flux (W m-2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-4

Clear‑sky downward shortwave flux is broadband solar energy at the surface without cloud effects.

  • Units: W m-2.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"CSDSF","level":"surface","info":""}
CSULF –Clear Sky Upward Longwave Radiation Flux (W/m²)
2 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-5

Upward longwave (thermal) flux represents outgoing energy at the surface. Clear-sky versions remove cloud effects to isolate the atmospheric background.

  • Units: W/m².
  • Shortwave affects surface heating; longwave affects radiative cooling.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"CSULF","level":"surface","info":""}
top of atmosphere 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"CSULF","level":"top of atmosphere","info":""}
CSUSF –Clear Sky Upward Solar Flux (W/m²)
2 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-4

Upward shortwave (solar) flux represents outgoing energy at the surface. Clear-sky versions remove cloud effects to isolate the atmospheric background.

  • Units: W/m².
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"CSUSF","level":"surface","info":""}
top of atmosphere 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"CSUSF","level":"top of atmosphere","info":""}
CWORK –Cloud Work Function (J/kg)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-6

Cloud work function is an energy measure used by convection schemes to diagnose convective potential. Larger values generally indicate a more favorable environment for deep convection.

  • Units: J/kg.
  • Cloud fraction influences surface radiation and temperature.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
entire atmosphere (considered as a single layer) 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"CWORK","level":"entire atmosphere (considered as a single layer)","info":""}
DLWRF –Downward Longwave Radiation Flux (W/m^2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-5

Downward longwave (thermal) flux represents incoming energy at the surface. It is a key driver of surface heating and cooling.

  • Units: W/m^2.
  • Shortwave affects surface heating; longwave affects radiative cooling.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"DLWRF","level":"surface","info":""}
DSWRF –Downward Short-Wave Radiation Flux (W/m^2)
2 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-4

Downward radiative flux represents incoming energy at the surface. It is a key driver of surface heating and cooling.

  • Units: W/m^2.
  • Shortwave affects surface heating; longwave affects radiative cooling.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"DSWRF","level":"surface","info":""}
top of atmosphere 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"DSWRF","level":"top of atmosphere","info":""}
DUVB –UV-B Downward Solar Flux (W/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-4

Downward UV‑B solar flux is the UV‑B portion of incoming sunlight at the surface. It is used for UV exposure and health guidance.

  • Units: W/m².
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"DUVB","level":"surface","info":""}
EVBS –Direct Evaporation from Bare Soil (W/m^2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-3

Direct evaporation from bare soil is the latent heat flux associated with moisture evaporating from exposed soil surfaces.

  • Units: W/m^2.
  • Soil state affects evapotranspiration and boundary-layer moisture.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"EVBS","level":"surface","info":""}
EVCW –Evaporation from Canopy Interception (kg/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-0

Canopy evaporation represents water stored on vegetation surfaces that evaporates back to the atmosphere. It affects rainfall interception losses.

  • Units: kg/m².
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"EVCW","level":"surface","info":""}
FRICV –Frictional Velocity (m/s)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-2

Friction velocity (u*) is a measure of near‑surface shear stress. It is commonly used in turbulence, dust, and air‑sea exchange calculations.

  • Units: m/s.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"FRICV","level":"surface","info":""}
GFLUX –Ground Heat Flux (W/m^2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-0

Ground heat flux is the conductive heat exchange between the surface and the subsurface. It is a key term in the surface energy balance.

  • Units: W/m^2.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"GFLUX","level":"surface","info":""}
HGT –Geopotential Height (gpm)
2 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-3

Geopotential height is the altitude of a pressure surface in the atmosphere. It is the primary field for identifying ridges, troughs, and large‑scale flow patterns.

  • Units: gpm.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
1 hybrid level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"HGT","level":"1 hybrid level","info":""}
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"HGT","level":"surface","info":""}
HPBL –Planetary Boundary Layer Height (m)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-3

Boundary layer height marks the depth of the turbulent surface-influenced layer. It affects mixing, dispersion, and surface fluxes.

  • Units: m.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"HPBL","level":"surface","info":""}
ICEC –Ice Cover (Proportion)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Ice cover is the proportion of the grid cell covered by ice. It is used as a surface-state mask for sea ice and related cryosphere diagnostics.

  • Units: Proportion.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"ICEC","level":"surface","info":""}
ICETK –Ice Thickness (m)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Ice thickness is the physical thickness of sea or lake ice. It is important for marine navigation and heat exchange.

  • Units: m.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"ICETK","level":"surface","info":""}
LAND –Land Cover (0=sea, 1=land) (Proportion)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-0

Land cover is a land/sea mask where 0 indicates sea and 1 indicates land. It is used to separate land and ocean surface processes.

  • Units: Proportion.
Land mask
0
Water
1
Land
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"LAND","level":"surface","info":""}
LHTFL –Latent Heat Net Flux (W/m^2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-0

Latent heat net flux represents energy exchange due to evaporation/condensation at the surface. It links moisture and energy budgets.

  • Units: W/m^2.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"LHTFL","level":"surface","info":""}
NBDSF –Near-Infrared Beam Downward Solar Flux (W/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-4

Near‑infrared beam downward solar flux is the direct (beam) NIR component reaching the surface. It represents unscattered sunlight.

  • Units: W/m².
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"NBDSF","level":"surface","info":""}
NDDSF –Near-Infrared Diffuse Downward Solar Flux (W/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-4

Near‑infrared diffuse downward solar flux is the scattered NIR component reaching the surface. It dominates under hazy or cloudy skies.

  • Units: W/m².
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"NDDSF","level":"surface","info":""}
PEVPR –Potential Evaporation Rate (W/m^2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Potential evaporation rate is the potential latent heat flux for evaporation under an assumed unlimited water supply.

  • Units: W/m^2.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PEVPR","level":"surface","info":""}
PRATE –Precipitation Rate (kg/(m^2 s))
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Precipitation rate is the total intensity of precipitation over the period. It combines convective and stratiform contributions.

  • Units: kg/(m^2 s).
  • Accumulations represent water-equivalent depth over the output interval; rates describe intensity.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PRATE","level":"surface","info":""}
PRES –Pressure (Pa)
9 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-3

Pressure is the atmospheric pressure at the specified level. It is a fundamental mass-field variable for dynamics and thermodynamics.

  • Units: Pa.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
convective cloud bottom level 6h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PRES","level":"convective cloud bottom level","info":""}
convective cloud top level 6h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PRES","level":"convective cloud top level","info":""}
high cloud bottom level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PRES","level":"high cloud bottom level","info":""}
high cloud top level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PRES","level":"high cloud top level","info":""}
low cloud bottom level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PRES","level":"low cloud bottom level","info":""}
low cloud top level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PRES","level":"low cloud top level","info":""}
middle cloud bottom level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PRES","level":"middle cloud bottom level","info":""}
middle cloud top level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PRES","level":"middle cloud top level","info":""}
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PRES","level":"surface","info":""}
PWAT –Precipitable Water (kg/m^2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Precipitable water is the total column water vapor from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. It is a key moisture indicator.

  • Units: kg/m^2.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
entire atmosphere (considered as a single layer) 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"PWAT","level":"entire atmosphere (considered as a single layer)","info":""}
QMAX –Maximum Specific Humidity (kg/kg)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Maximum specific humidity is the peak water‑vapor mixing ratio during the period. It highlights the moistest conditions.

  • Units: kg/kg.
  • Higher values indicate more atmospheric moisture and greater cloud or precip potential.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
2 m above ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"QMAX","level":"2 m above ground","info":""}
QMIN –Minimum Specific Humidity (kg/kg)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Minimum specific humidity is the lowest water‑vapor mixing ratio during the period. It highlights the driest conditions.

  • Units: kg/kg.
  • Higher values indicate more atmospheric moisture and greater cloud or precip potential.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
2 m above ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"QMIN","level":"2 m above ground","info":""}
SBSNO –Sublimation (Snow Cover) (kg/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Snow sublimation is the loss of snow directly to water vapor. It reduces snowpack without melting and can be important in dry, windy conditions.

  • Units: kg/m².
  • Accumulations represent water-equivalent depth over the output interval; rates describe intensity.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SBSNO","level":"surface","info":""}
SFCR –Surface Roughness (m)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2

Surface roughness length is the effective height of surface obstacles that control drag. It strongly influences near-surface wind, turbulence, and exchange fluxes.

  • Units: m.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SFCR","level":"surface","info":""}
SFEXC –Exchange Coefficient at Surface (dimensionless)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2

Surface exchange coefficient is the bulk transfer coefficient used to compute turbulent heat and moisture fluxes. It depends on stability and roughness.

  • Units: dimensionless.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SFEXC","level":"surface","info":""}
SHTFL –Sensible Heat Net Flux (W/m^2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-0

Sensible heat net flux is turbulent heat exchange driven by temperature differences. It affects near‑surface temperature and stability.

  • Units: W/m^2.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SHTFL","level":"surface","info":""}
SLTYP –Surface Slope Type (Index)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-3

Surface slope type is the land-surface slope classification used by the model for runoff and drainage behavior.

  • Units: Index.
  • Soil state affects evapotranspiration and boundary-layer moisture.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SLTYP","level":"surface","info":""}
SNOD –Snow Depth (m)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Snow depth is the physical thickness of the snowpack. It is distinct from snow water equivalent, which measures water content.

  • Units: m.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SNOD","level":"surface","info":""}
SNOHF –Snow Phase Change Heat Flux (W m-2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Snow phase change heat flux is the energy used for melting or freezing snow. It links radiation and snowpack evolution.

  • Units: W m-2.
  • Accumulations represent water-equivalent depth over the output interval; rates describe intensity.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SNOHF","level":"surface","info":""}
SNOWC –Snow Cover (percent)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Snow cover is the fraction of the grid cell covered by snow. It helps interpret albedo, runoff timing, and surface energy balance.

  • Units: percent.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SNOWC","level":"surface","info":""}
SOILL –Liquid Volumetric Soil Moisture (non-frozen) (Proportion)
4 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-3

Liquid volumetric soil moisture (non-frozen) is the liquid portion of soil water expressed as a proportion of soil volume, excluding soil ice.

  • Units: Proportion.
  • Soil state affects evapotranspiration and boundary-layer moisture.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
0-0.1 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SOILL","level":"0-0.1 m below ground","info":""}
0.1-0.4 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SOILL","level":"0.1-0.4 m below ground","info":""}
0.4-1 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SOILL","level":"0.4-1 m below ground","info":""}
1-2 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SOILL","level":"1-2 m below ground","info":""}
SOILM –Soil Moisture Content (kg/m^2)
1 variant
NCEP ON388 Table 2

Soil moisture content is the amount of water stored in the soil layer or column represented by the product.

  • Units: kg/m^2.
  • Soil state affects evapotranspiration and boundary-layer moisture.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
0-2 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SOILM","level":"0-2 m below ground","info":""}
SOILW –Volumetric Soil Moisture Content (Fraction)
4 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-0

Volumetric soil moisture is the fraction of soil volume occupied by water. It is commonly used in hydrology and drought monitoring.

  • Units: Fraction.
  • Soil state affects evapotranspiration and boundary-layer moisture.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
0-0.1 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SOILW","level":"0-0.1 m below ground","info":""}
0.1-0.4 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SOILW","level":"0.1-0.4 m below ground","info":""}
0.4-1 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SOILW","level":"0.4-1 m below ground","info":""}
1-2 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SOILW","level":"1-2 m below ground","info":""}
SOTYP –Soil Type (code)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-3

Soil type class used by the land-surface model. It controls infiltration, drainage, and heat/moisture storage, and strongly affects runoff and evapotranspiration.

  • Units: code.
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.213
Source
0
Reserved
1
Sand
2
Loamy sand
3
Sandy loam
4
Silt loam
5
Organic
6
Sandy clay loam
7
Silty clay loam
8
Clay loam
9
Sandy clay
10
Silty clay
11
Clay
12-191
Reserved
192-254
Reserved for local use
255
Missing
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SOTYP","level":"surface","info":""}
SPFH –Specific Humidity (kg/kg)
2 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Specific humidity is the mass of water vapor per mass of air at the specified level. It is central to moisture transport.

  • Units: kg/kg.
  • Higher values indicate more atmospheric moisture and greater cloud or precip potential.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
1 hybrid level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SPFH","level":"1 hybrid level","info":""}
2 m above ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SPFH","level":"2 m above ground","info":""}
SRWEQ –Snowfall Water Equivalent (kg/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Snowfall water equivalent is the liquid water content of new snowfall during the period. It is used for snow totals and hydrology.

  • Units: kg/m².
  • Accumulations represent water-equivalent depth over the output interval; rates describe intensity.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SRWEQ","level":"surface","info":""}
SSRUN –Storm Surface Runoff (kg/m^2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-0

Storm surface runoff represents overland flow generated by rainfall or snowmelt. It responds quickly to heavy precipitation.

  • Units: kg/m^2.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"SSRUN","level":"surface","info":""}
TCDC –Total Cloud Cover (percent)
6 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-6

Total cloud cover is the fraction of the grid cell covered by clouds at any level. It influences radiation, temperature, and visibility.

  • Units: percent.
  • Cloud fraction influences surface radiation and temperature.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
boundary layer cloud layer 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TCDC","level":"boundary layer cloud layer","info":""}
convective cloud layer 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TCDC","level":"convective cloud layer","info":""}
entire atmosphere (considered as a single layer) 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TCDC","level":"entire atmosphere (considered as a single layer)","info":""}
high cloud layer 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TCDC","level":"high cloud layer","info":""}
low cloud layer 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TCDC","level":"low cloud layer","info":""}
middle cloud layer 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TCDC","level":"middle cloud layer","info":""}
TMAX –Maximum Temperature (K)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-0

Maximum temperature is the highest temperature reached during the output period. It is commonly used for heat stress and daily extremes.

  • Units: K.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
2 m above ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMAX","level":"2 m above ground","info":""}
TMIN –Minimum Temperature (K)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-0

Minimum temperature is the lowest temperature reached during the output period. It is commonly used for frost and cold-stress assessment.

  • Units: K.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
2 m above ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMIN","level":"2 m above ground","info":""}
TMP –Temperature (K)
10 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-0

Air temperature is the thermal state of the atmosphere at the specified level. It influences density, stability, and energy exchange.

  • Units: K.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
0-0.1 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMP","level":"0-0.1 m below ground","info":""}
0.1-0.4 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMP","level":"0.1-0.4 m below ground","info":""}
0.4-1 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMP","level":"0.4-1 m below ground","info":""}
1 hybrid level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMP","level":"1 hybrid level","info":""}
1-2 m below ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMP","level":"1-2 m below ground","info":""}
2 m above ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMP","level":"2 m above ground","info":""}
high cloud top level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMP","level":"high cloud top level","info":""}
low cloud top level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMP","level":"low cloud top level","info":""}
middle cloud top level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMP","level":"middle cloud top level","info":""}
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TMP","level":"surface","info":""}
TRANS –Transpiration Rate (kg/m²/s)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2

Transpiration rate is the flux of water vapor from vegetation to the atmosphere. It links plant activity to surface energy balance and humidity.

  • Units: kg/m²/s.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"TRANS","level":"surface","info":""}
U-GWD –Zonal Gravity Wave Stress (N/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2

Zonal gravity wave stress is the east-west component of momentum flux from unresolved gravity waves. It affects large-scale circulation and jet dynamics.

  • Units: N/m².
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"U-GWD","level":"surface","info":""}
UFLX –Momentum Flux, U Component (N/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-2

Momentum flux, u‑component is the east‑west surface stress exerted by the atmosphere. It drives boundary-layer dynamics.

  • Units: N/m².
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"UFLX","level":"surface","info":""}
UGRD –U-Component of Wind (m/s)
2 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-2

U‑component of wind is the east‑west component of the horizontal wind. Combine with v for speed and direction.

  • Units: m/s.
  • Combine u and v components to compute speed and direction.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
1 hybrid level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"UGRD","level":"1 hybrid level","info":""}
10 m above ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"UGRD","level":"10 m above ground","info":""}
ULWRF –Upward Longwave Radiation Flux (W/m^2)
2 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-5

Upward longwave (thermal) flux represents outgoing energy at the surface. It is a key driver of surface heating and cooling.

  • Units: W/m^2.
  • Shortwave affects surface heating; longwave affects radiative cooling.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"ULWRF","level":"surface","info":""}
top of atmosphere 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"ULWRF","level":"top of atmosphere","info":""}
USWRF –Upward Short-Wave Radiation Flux (W/m^2)
2 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-4

Upward radiative flux represents outgoing energy at the surface. It is a key driver of surface heating and cooling.

  • Units: W/m^2.
  • Shortwave affects surface heating; longwave affects radiative cooling.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"USWRF","level":"surface","info":""}
top of atmosphere 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"USWRF","level":"top of atmosphere","info":""}
V-GWD –Meridional Gravity Wave Stress (N/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2

Meridional gravity wave stress is the north-south component of momentum flux from unresolved gravity waves. It affects large-scale circulation and jet dynamics.

  • Units: N/m².
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"V-GWD","level":"surface","info":""}
VBDSF –Visible Beam Downward Solar Flux (W m-2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-4

Visible beam downward solar flux is the direct visible sunlight at the surface. It is important for illumination and solar energy.

  • Units: W m-2.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"VBDSF","level":"surface","info":""}
VDDSF –Visible Diffuse Downward Solar Flux (W m-2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-4

Visible diffuse downward solar flux is the scattered visible light at the surface. It increases under clouds or aerosol loading.

  • Units: W m-2.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"VDDSF","level":"surface","info":""}
VEG –Vegetation Fraction (percent)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-0

Vegetation fraction is the portion of the grid cell covered by vegetation. It affects albedo, roughness, and evapotranspiration.

  • Units: percent.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"VEG","level":"surface","info":""}
VFLX –Momentum Flux, V Component (N/m²)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-2

Momentum flux, v‑component is the north‑south surface stress exerted by the atmosphere. It drives boundary-layer dynamics.

  • Units: N/m².
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"VFLX","level":"surface","info":""}
VGRD –V-Component of Wind (m/s)
2 variants
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-2

V‑component of wind is the north‑south component of the horizontal wind. Combine with u for speed and direction.

  • Units: m/s.
  • Combine u and v components to compute speed and direction.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
1 hybrid level 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"VGRD","level":"1 hybrid level","info":""}
10 m above ground 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"VGRD","level":"10 m above ground","info":""}
VGTYP –Vegetation Type (code)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.212

Categorical land-use/vegetation class. It is used to set roughness, albedo, canopy properties, and other surface-exchange parameters.

  • Units: code.
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.212
Source
0
Reserved
1
Urban land
2
Agricultural
3
Range land
4
Deciduous forest
5
Coniferous forest
6
Forest/wetland
7
Water
8
Wetlands
9
Desert
10
Tundra
11
Ice
12
Tropical forest
13
Savannah
14-191
Reserved
192-254
Reserved for local use
255
Missing
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"VGTYP","level":"surface","info":""}
WATR –Water Runoff (kg/m^2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-2-0

Water runoff is the amount of water leaving the land surface as runoff during the period. It is useful for hydrology, flooding, and land-surface diagnostics.

  • Units: kg/m^2.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"WATR","level":"surface","info":""}
WEASD –Water Equivalent of Accumulated Snow Depth (kg/m^2)
1 variant
NOAA GRIB2 Table 4.2-0-1

Snow water equivalent (SWE) is the total liquid water stored in the snowpack. It integrates depth and density of existing snow.

  • Units: kg/m^2.
  • Accumulations represent water-equivalent depth over the output interval; rates describe intensity.
Level Info Horizon Introduced Selector
surface 0h-5160h 2018-10-31
{"name":"WEASD","level":"surface","info":""}

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