Plot WRF and ERA5 data with a namelist — just like running the WRF model.
PostWRF is a collection of interactive tools, written in NCL and Bash, for visualizing and post-processing WRF model outputs, as well as ERA5 and RTTOV data (to some extent).
It is designed for both beginners and expert users:
- Students can easily plot WRF or ERA5 outputs without dealing with programming syntax or script debugging.
- Advanced users can perform routine postprocessing tasks quickly and reproducibly.
- WRF data extraction
- WRF horizontal contour plotting
- WRF vertical cross-section plotting
- WRF statistical diagrams
- RTTOV input (from WRF) and output data generation
- WRF data conversion to GeoTIFF
- WRF Skew-T and wind rose diagrams
- ERA5 horizontal contour plotting
- ERA5 data extraction
Install NCL on a Linux system (example for Fedora):
sudo dnf install nclThat’s it! This is sufficient for most of PostWRF’s features.
- Clone the repository:
cd PostWRF
- Make scripts executable:
chmod +x postwrf.sh modules/*.sh modules_era/*.sh
- Copy or link your WRF or ERA5 files into the
postwrfdirectory. - Run the main script:
./postwrf.sh
- Follow the on-screen instructions to visualize or postprocess your data.
Comprehensive documentation with practical examples:
https://postwrf.readthedocs.io/en/master
Watch video tutorials here:
PostWRF YouTube Playlist
If you use PostWRF in your research, please cite the following publication:
Nikfal, A. (2022). PostWRF: An Interactive Visualization and Postprocessing Tool for WRF Outputs. Environmental Modelling & Software, 105591.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2022.105591