RAP BLIPMAP NorthEast Viewer
BLIPMAP^™ = Boundary Layer Information Prediction MAP
Created by Dr. John W. (Jack) Glendening,  Meteorologist  
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BLIPMAPs predict thermal soaring conditions resulting from surface heating of the Boundary Layer, by post-processing numerical weather model predictions to provide parameters suited to the needs of soaring pilots.  Users of this viewer are assumed to be familiar with BLIPMAP and its parameters, as described on the NE 18Z BLIPMAP webpage and on the parameter information webpage.  BASIC thermal forecast parameters gives a short list of the parameters most important for thermal soaring. 


BLIPMAP NEWS (Latest: Nov 5, 2026)

Current Day:

The "current day" changes shortly after 2Z   Forecast Availabily

Current Times:

DrJack sez:
  (Latest 5 news items) April 20, 2026 update:  Univiewer MiniBlipspot previous day problem fixed
November 5, 2026: 
NAM Termination and BLIPMAP Future
   The U.S. National Weather Service has stopped running its NAM model, so no new NAM BLIPMAP forecasts will be created.  The RAP forecasts will continue, but they are limited to current day forecasts. 
   I'd seen an announcement that NWS intended to retire the NAM in August - but that date came and went, then a subsequent intended termination date of September came and went, then similarly for October - but finally in November the termination is reality. 
   Given that warning, I'd intended on the death of NAM to post an announcement offering to transfer the site, forecasts, etc. to anyone willing to take them over with the intent of updating to replace NAM with the more recent "Rapid Refresh Forecast System" (RRFS) model with its improved resolution - else would terminate the BLIPMAP forecasts in the spring, since NAM model more important than RAP due to its forecasts out to two days instead of just current day. 
   BUT just before that date Kurt Thams, who has seen the same announcements of NAM demise, on his own initiative contacted me and offered to work on transferring the newer NOAA model and keep the legacy going.  So I will be working with him on that.  Given his experience both in computer systems and in soaring, I think that the forecasts will be in good hands. 
   So watch this page for further info.  Kurt tells me he is actively working on getting the system revised to work with NOAA's newer model.  If anyone wants to get involved they can reach him by email by using his last name combined with circled-at-symbol with his last name and dot-com =
    In the interim, I have disabled the contributions link until I can be assured of the BLIPMAP future. 
Jack

February 24, 2026:  Server Costs: 
    Yearly Expenses:  website ~$600 + registration ~$100 = $700 / year
    Yearly Income:  2025: $210
 

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