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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'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

A new hazardous weather warning system proves its mettle during March tornado outbreaks

April 25, 2025

From March 13 to 16, 2025, a historic and deadly tornado outbreak swept across the central United States, unleashing severe weather from the Gulf Coast to central Illinois. The storm system produced more than 115 confirmed tornadoes, and resulted in $6.25 billion in damage and 23 fatalities, making it one...

GSL Releases Update to DESI Weather Analysis Tool

April 16, 2025

NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) has released a significant update to the Dynamic Ensemble-based Scenarios for Impact-Based Decision Support (DESI). The latest release, Version 3.3, launched in February 2025 and incorporates a host of improvements aimed at enhancing usability, visualization, and its suite of critical environmental data.Recent releases have offered...

GSL/PSL partner with AI startup to make observational data AI-ready

February 25, 2025

NOAA’s Physical Sciences Laboratory and Global Systems Laboratory and the artificial intelligence startup Brightband have entered into a two-year Cooperative Research And Development Agreement (CRADA) that will optimize a vast NOAA-managed archive of observational weather data for training artificial intelligence (AI)-based weather forecasting applications.Under the CRADA, “Making NOAA Observation Data...

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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.