world area forecast system

world area forecast system (WAFS)

A world-wide system by which world and regional area forecast centers provide aeronautical meteorological enroute forecasts in uniform standardized formats (ICAO). The objective of the world forecast system is to:
i. Supply meteorological offices with forecasts of en route meteorological conditions concerning upper winds; upper-air temperatures; the direction, speed, and height of maximum winds; the tropopause height; and significant weather in pictorial and/or alphanumeric form suitable, as far as practicable, for direct use by operators, flight crewmembers, air traffic services units, and other aeronautical users.
ii. Supply meteorological authorities and other users with upper winds; upper-air temperatures; the direction, speed, and height for maximum winds; and tropopause height forecasts; and forecasts of significant weather phenomena for grid points in digital form.
These objectives must be achieved through a comprehensive, integrated, worldwide, and, as far as practicable, uniform system and in a cost-effective manner.