RRFS Sub Hourly - Rapid Refresh Forecast System
| Provider: | National Centers for Environmental Prediction, NOAA (USA) |
| Model scope: | Atlantic, North America, Pacific |
| Update frequency: | every hour |
| Resolution: | 1.5nm, 2.8km |
| Model duration: | 72 forecasts starting at 0 hr, ending at 18 hrs |
| Parameters: | wind, wind gust, simulated radar |
| GRIB model date: | Tue Feb 10 21:00:00 2026 UTC |
| Download date: | Wed Feb 11 00:04:38 2026 UTC |
| Download delay: | 3hr 04min |
Note: the Download delay is the amount of time required for the GRIB model to compute its forecast and then for the LuckGrib cluster to download the data and make it available. The LuckGrib delay is generally less than 10 minutes, the remainder of the delay is the model compute time.
Important note
RRFS is currently a prototype model and not yet fully operational at NOAA. The data offered here is early access to this exciting new system.
Because it is still in development, updates may occasionally be delayed or paused. If you begin relying on RRFS, please have backups in mind—such as GFS, ECMWF, HRRR, NAM CONUS, or other operational models.
Overview
RRFS (Rapid Refresh Forecast System) is a high-resolution (~3 km) regional model providing short-term forecasts with frequent updates. It is a cornerstone of NOAA’s Unified Forecast System (UFS) for North America. For full background on UFS and how RRFS fits into NOAA’s roadmap, see the detailed discussion here.
High-resolution models like RRFS excel at capturing rapidly evolving weather: sharp fronts, convection, and local effects from terrain, coastlines, and land features that can strongly influence surface winds.
The RRFS domain covers all of North America, including Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and adjacent waters—providing seamless high-resolution coverage for coastal and offshore passages that previously required switching between multiple models.
Available variants
Three RRFS configurations are currently offered in LuckGrib, all sharing the same ~3 km resolution and expansive domain:
- RRFS — Updated hourly, with a broad parameter set and hourly forecasts out to 18 hours.
- Sub-hourly RRFS (this model) — Updated hourly, with wind and simulated radar parameters every 15 minutes out to 18 hours (ideal for tracking fast-moving systems).
- RRFS 84 — Updated every 6 hours (00Z, 06Z, 12Z, 18Z), with hourly forecasts extended to 84 hours (3.5 days).
This version of the model may be the best version for sailors, as they sail close to land features or are in an area with rapidly evolving winds.