Which Vtable to process RRFS data to run WPS/WRF or WPS/MPAS model

[bincheng0228]

This is Bin Cheng from NCDEQ, and I'm trying to use RRFS output (https://noaa-rrfs-pds.s3.amazonaws.com/index.html#rrfs_a/rrfs.20251016/00/) as the input to WRF to generate meteorological input for our air quality forecasting. However, I'm having a problem with which Vtable I should use for the prelv.conus.grib2 files since all the Vtables provided by WPS don't work at all.
I contacted the WRF helpdesk folks, and they told me to switch to MPAS-related workflow since they are no longer updating WRF. I saw the MPAS output you posted online (https://rapidrefresh.noaa.gov/hrrr/MPAS/Welcome.cgi?dsKey=mpas_rrfsa_jet&domain=NE) and I’m wondering how you process the RRFS output? Did you use WPS/MPAS combination or there’s another tool? Thanks for your help in advance!

[EricJames-NOAA]

@bincheng0228 sorry for the very late response. In general, we recommend users try to use native level model output, since the prslev output involves some vertical interpolation to isobaric levels. We use ungrib and init_atmosphere to process the RRFS-A output. With some recent development, we are now able to process the raw RRFS-A 3km North America grid via ungrib.

If helpful, I can provide the Vtable we use for initializing MPAS from RRFS.

[bincheng0228]

Hi Eric,

Thanks for your reply! Yes, can you please send the Vtable to my email: bin.cheng@deq.nc.gov

Best,
Bin Cheng