NAM

DL Photo

The NAM model is very important to me. I have been comparing the Blue, ECMWF, GFS and NAM and have found the NAM does best for my area. This week the NAM is no longer available on the PC app. It is still found on my Android app. Why was it removed from the PC version?

Wheats

@DL-Photo
The Rapid Refresh Forecast System (RRFS) is NOAA's next-generation weather model designed to completely replace the legacy North American Model (NAM) and several other regional modeling systems in October 2026.

It's because it's going the way of the dodo, I think I read somewhere on the forum that they are planning to implement the RRFS soon.

lou17

I also use the NAM. It seemed to be the most accurate and right on the spot when the event occurred here in Western NY. I am sorry to see it go on my PC. Hopefully, the new model will be an improvement and I look forward to using it on this excellent site soon.

TheRadarGuy

The NAM, as well as several other legacy models are being retired by NOAA in favour of a new model called RRFS. It was supposed to replace them on October 14th, but has since been pushed back to November 3rd.

https://www.weather.gov/media/notification/pdf_2026/scn26-048_Updated_RRFS_and_REFS_Implementation_aae.pdf
https://www.weather.gov/media/notification/pdf_2026/scn26-47_Updated_Retirement_of_NAM_SREF_HREF_HiresW_NAM_MOS_aac.pdf
https://www.weather.gov/media/notification/pdf_2026/scn26-89_RRFS_Downstream.pdf

For now I recommend using HRRR until Windy implements RRFS.

akwx

@TheRadarGuy Since the change to the Rapid Refresh system has slipped to November 3, wouldn't it make sense to continue the legacy products until the new system is operationally available? Apparently, the user/customer gets left behind on this one.

TheRadarGuy

@akwx According to @selverob Windy is already downloading the RRFS data and in one of the next releases, should become available: https://community.windy.com/post/233569

And at least in my opinion, I would rather start using the new model sooner rather than waiting until the last minute. RRFS is a genuine improvement over NAM in several areas. Such as longer forecast length currently four times per day, and shorter hourly cycles.