I'm interested in the history of the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). Can you tell me: 1) In what year did the National Severe Storms Forecast Center (NSSFC) become the Storm Prediction Center (SPC)? 2) When was the first Convective Outlook issued by the NSSFC, and what was unique about its format compared to later outlooks? 3) What was the main purpose of the first Mesoscale Discussion (MD) issued in 1986, and what significant change occurred regarding MDs in 2013?
Navigate to 'spc.noaa.gov'. Click on 'Education & Outreach' in the left navigation. Click on 'Our History' under 'Education & Outreach'. Locate the year the National Severe Storms Forecast Center (NSSFC) became the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). Find information about the first Convective Outlook, including its issuance date and format. Identify the main purpose of the first Mesoscale Discussion (MD) issued in 1986. Find the significant change that occurred regarding MDs in 2013. Synthesize all collected information to answer the questions.
The agent states that the National Severe Storms Forecast Center (NSSFC) became the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in 1995. The agent states that the first Convective Outlook was issued on March 17, 1953, and that it was unique because it was a hand-drawn map with a simple text overlay and only valid for 24 hours. The agent states that the main purpose of the first Mesoscale Discussion (MD) issued in 1986 was to provide guidance on severe weather potential for a smaller, more focused area, and that in 2013, responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions was transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC).