AOSC Seminar by Daryl Kleist, 03/5/2026
AOSC Seminar
Daryl Kleist
NOAA/NWS/NCEP/EMC
Title
Accelerating Accuracy: The Future of NWS Numerical Guidance in an AI-Driven World
Abstract
The Environmental Modeling Center (EMC), a critical division of NOAA’s National Weather Service, develops and operationalizes numerical weather and water guidance systems. This mission spans the entire modeling lifecycle—from raw observation processing and data assimilation to value-added post-processing and service delivery. This seminar provides a high-level overview of current NWS modeling activities, highlighting significant upgrades scheduled for 2026. Key milestones include the first implementation of the Rapid Refresh Forecast System (RRFS) and a major evolution of the Global Forecast System (GFS). The NWS portfolio is rapidly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) for weather prediction. This includes three key initiatives: 1) The EAGLE Project: The foundation for the initial AIGFS and AI Global Ensemble Forecast System, 2) OCELOT: A novel, observation-centric initiative where training and prediction are performed entirely within an observational framework, and 3) The Modeling Moonshot Initiative: A long-term NOAA strategy to accelerate AI-enabled, high-resolution models through substantial investments in high-performance computing. Together, these advancements aim to deliver faster, more accurate, and impact-relevant guidance to protect life, property, and the national economy.
Bio
Dr. Daryl Kleist is the (Acting) Deputy Director of the Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) within NOAA’s National Weather Service. His expertise spans the critical pillars of modern forecasting, including operational data assimilation, numerical weather prediction, atmospheric predictability, and forecast sensitivity. His career with EMC began in 2003, leading to his appointment as a federal employee in 2011. From 2014 to 2017, he served as a faculty member in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (AOSC) at the University of Maryland-College Park before returning to EMC to lead federal modeling efforts. Beyond his leadership at NOAA, he is a prominent voice in the global atmospheric science community, currently serving as an Editor for Monthly Weather Review and as a member of the Scientific Steering Committee for the World Meteorological Organization’s World Weather Research Programme. Dr. Kleist earned his B.S. and M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland-College Park.
Contact
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AOSC Seminar
Pre-seminar refreshment: N/A
Seminar: 3:30-4:30pm, Room: ATL 2400(only when in-person)
Meet-the-Speaker: 4:30-5:00pm, Room: ATL 3400(only when in-person) [For AOSC Students only]
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