According to Tom Skilling, the RPM forecast model's mission is to provide a detailed look at how the weather is likely to unfold. While some models are available two to four times a day, the RPM model is run every three hours. New data is added to it all the time to drive and shape forecast updates.

"Model forecasts aren't perfect -- the atmosphere is VERY complex. That's why the RPM is but one of the more than dozen models we analyze every day to make our forecasts. But having it available to us means we can show our viewers/website visitors just how the weather is likely to come together and to keep our forecasts as up to date as possible," Skilling said.