As part of the efforts to improve MRMS precipitation estimations, NSSL scientists with the MRMS group visit National Weather Service (NWS) River Forecast Centers (RFCs) to discuss ongoing challenges with estimating precipitation. The month of April consisted of trips to the North Central RFC in Chanhassen, MN and the West Gulf RFC in Fort Worth, TX. Specific topics included the following:

• The current performance of the MRMS QPE product suite,
• Shadowing forecaster shifts to better understand the use of QPE products in developing the NWS Multisensor Precipitation Estimator (MPE) product,
• Upgrades to the MRMS system for both v11.5 and v12.0, and
• Future work regarding the next steps in improving precipitation estimation for the NWS.

The ongoing collaboration between NSSL and the NWS RFCs have yielded valuable insight into the challenges that operational forecasters have with precipitation estimation. This has allowed for MRMS scientists to develop new products and techniques, which in turn helps the forecasters create better products for their users. More site visits will follow over the next several months.