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GSL

Forecast systems that deliver solutions

Learn how we're advancing research in Renewable and Clean Energy

The Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) is one of ten NOAA Research Laboratories and is located in Boulder, Colorado. Our research improves environmental prediction models, develops state-of-the-science decision support tools, visualization systems, and uses high-performance computing technology to support a Weather-Ready Nation.

GSL strives to advance its workforce scientifically, technically, and professionally. We are also committed to increased diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility as well as a strong foundation for career growth.

GSL's research serves the nation

The research we do improves weather data, forecasts, and computing techniques used by industry, decision-makers, and stakeholders.

Our work makes the nation's operations safer and more efficient, helps protect lives and property, and promotes economic prosperity.

Public Safety

GSL’s models and technology help emergency managers respond to weather threats quickly.

Aviation

Our tools help the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduce air traffic delays and increase safety.

Energy

GSL’s weather models enable the energy industry to plan for the variable nature of wind and solar energy.

Fire Weather

Decision support systems and smoke models developed by GSL help with wildfire operations.

Latest News

GSL releases big update to weather forecast tool

July 10, 2024

NOAA GSL has released a new version of the Dynamic Ensemble-based Scenarios for Impact-based Decision Support (DESI), a powerful tool for ensemble-based weather forecast information and visualization. DESI 3.1 builds on the additions from version 3.0 to give NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists the tools to better serve their...

GSL scientists survey second site for fire weather research

July 01, 2024

NOAA GSL, Global Monitoring Lab (GML), Air Resources Lab (ARL), and Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) scientists surveyed possible new observation sites near Flagstaff, Arizona for fire weather research. Flagstaff was impacted by three wildfires in June of 2022 that caused the evacuation of hundreds of residents....

GSL welcomes our 2024 summer intern cohort!

June 26, 2024

Meet our summer interns!Chuck Baker (University of Maryland) (Dave Turner, Jason English) My path to GSL has been shaped by extensive work in atmospheric research, particularly on the planetary boundary layer (PBL). At NOAA's Air Resources Laboratory (ARL), I developed strong skills in data analysis and model validation. During my...

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Successful Projects

Research-to-Operations (R2O)

GSL has a history of successfully transitioning atmospheric research into advanced products and services for weather operations.

Learn more about R2O

Regional Models

We are the leader in developing and evolving regional weather models. The Rapid Refresh, High-Resolution Rapid Refresh, and RAP Smoke are just a few.

Learn more about our models

Unified Forecast System

GSL is part of a major community effort to develop a coupled, comprehensive Earth modeling system.

Read how GSL supports the UFS

GSL Mission

Lead research and directed development through the transition of environmental data, models, products, tools, and services to support commerce, protect life and property, and promote a scientifically literate public.

Research Areas

Organizational Excellence, Earth System Prediction, Advanced Technologies, and Decision Support are the foundation to achieving the GSL Grand Challenge: Deliver actionable global storm-scale prediction and environmental information through advanced technologies to serve society.

GSL