Yesterday someone commented that red flag warning data from two sources was different. Today we have maps from the sources that were part of the discussion, Google Earth (using the “NWS Fire Weather WWA” data layer) and Weather.gov. The maps were harvested at the same time and show what appear to be exactly the same information about red flag warnings. If the maps are viewed at different times, the data can vary. They are the result of input from dozens of National Weather Service offices, which at various times submit warning data as other warnings expire.
One significant difference is that the Google Earth map more clearly displays fire weather watch areas, while the map from Weather.gov uses what appears to be the same light beige color to display fire weather watches, special weather statements, and hazardous weather outlooks, making that function less useful. But the Weather.gov map seems to have a higher resolution for the boundaries of the warning areas, county by county, if you look closely and squint your eyes.
Which map do you like better?
Red Flag Warnings, Google Earth, September 11, 2012
Red Flag Warnings, Weather.Gov, September 11, 2012
Neither map works really well when compared to aviation charts and forecasts. While there are still some geographic boundary problems with aviation forecasts [mostly at international boundaries]. Suggest anyone interested look at any national SIGMET chart for an idea of how surface weather watch charts could be done.
If either of the charts presented are used to preposition assets then a lot more work needs to be done to “smooth out” the geographic boundary problems.