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[Confirmed]

# NOAA retires the NAM weather model as its Rapid Refresh Forecast System debuts

Forecasters marked the end of a longtime model on November 3.

Leaked on 03 November 2026

![Screenshot of the NOAA news release page: NOAA weather modeling hits key milestone with Rapid Refresh Forecast System debut | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm](https://leakly.com/assets/images/nam-weather-model-retired-rrfs-debut-hero.jpg)

Screenshot of the NOAA news release “NOAA weather modeling hits key milestone with Rapid Refresh Forecast System debut | Nation”, captured 09 Nov 2026 12:14 UTC. [Source: NOAA news release](https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-weather-modeling-hits-key-milestone-with-rapid-refresh-forecast-system-debut)

[NOAA](https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-weather-modeling-hits-key-milestone-with-rapid-refresh-forecast-system-debut) marked a milestone on November 3 with the implementation of a next-generation rapid-update forecast system, according to its news release. @Kentuckyweather flagged the retirement of the NAM model the same day.

> **Chris Bailey** @Kentuckyweather
>
> It's a sad day in the weather world as one of our most trusted forecast models is being discontinued. We had a good run with lots of good snowstorms and lots of not so good fantasy snowstorms.
> For one final time... The NAM Goes BAM!!!!!!!! Rest easy, my friend. #kywx https://t.co/USQC8Z1WzX
>
> 228 likes · 12 reposts · counts as of 09 Nov 2026, 12:49 UTC
>
> — Chris Bailey (@Kentuckyweather) [November 3, 2026](https://twitter.com/Kentuckyweather/status/2117651527670321549)

not in our leaker index

A [National Weather Service](https://www.weather.gov/media/notification/pdf_2026/SCN26-47_Retirement_of_NAM_SREF_HREF_HiresW_NAM_MOS_aad.pdf) notice says that effective November 3 at 12:00 UTC, NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Prediction discontinued the North American Mesoscale (NAM) Forecast System, along with the SREF, HREF, HiresW and NAM MOS. They are replaced by the Rapid Refresh Forecast System (RRFS).

NOAA confirmed the change.

## What we know

* NOAA implemented its new rapid-update system on November 3.

## What we don't know

* How forecasts will compare over time.

## What would confirm it

Already confirmed.

## Sources

* [Original X post by @Kentuckyweather](https://x.com/Kentuckyweather/status/2117651527670321549)
* [NOAA weather modeling hits key milestone with Rapid Refresh Forecast System debut | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration](https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-weather-modeling-hits-key-milestone-with-rapid-refresh-forecast-system-debut)
* [NOUS41 KWBC 051545 AAD PNSWSH Service Change Notice 26-47 Updated National Weather Service Headquarters Silver Spring MD](https://www.weather.gov/media/notification/pdf_2026/SCN26-47_Retirement_of_NAM_SREF_HREF_HiresW_NAM_MOS_aad.pdf)

[Confirmed]

## What happened later

NOAA confirmed the change.

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