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Rapid Update Cycle

The Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) is an atmospheric prediction system that consists primarily of a numerical forecast model and an analysis system to initialize the model.

The RUC was designed to provide accurate short-range (0- to 12-hr) numerical forecast guidance for weather-sensitive users, such as those in the aviation community. Significant weather forecasting problems that occur in the 0- to 12-hr range include severe weather in all seasons (for example, tornadoes, thunderstorms, snow, and ice storms) and hazards to aviation (for example, clear air turbulence[?], icing, and downbursts[?]).

The RUC runs at the highest frequency of any forecast model at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction[?] (NCEP), assimilating recent observations to provide very high frequency updates of current conditions and short-range forecasts.

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