NOAA Adopts New Rapid Refresh Forecast System, Retires Older Models

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is retiring several high-resolution weather models today, October 6, 2026, to transition to its new Rapid Refresh Forecast System (RRFS). This consolidation aims to streamline operations and enhance forecasting capabilities. The RRFS offers improved resolution, providing 18-hour look-ahead times hourly and 3.5 days for six-hourly runs, which is expected to improve meteorological workflows and the accuracy of weather predictions.