GFS-view

GFS-view is a lightweight piece of software that helps you create comprehensive weather forecast maps using data from National Centers for Environmental Prediction or NCEP.

Apart from making sure that Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package 2015 is present on your computer's system, you need to undergo a relatively simplistic, wizard-based installation process in order to deploy this app.

That said, simply launch the program and start off by downloading GRIB2 data. Click the Open by date button and from the two calendar panels, select the start and end dates and the GRIB by codes, or choose to check the "All codes and levels" option.

Continue by selecting the starting run time and ending run time from the designated sections, as well as the region of interest from the Places list. It's also worth pointing out that you should also set the area size in decimal degrees.

Click the "Open" or the designated button for getting the data from NCEP (NOMADS) hosts, and once the downloads are completed, you should be ready to start taking advantage of everything this app has to offer.

For instance, you can load shape-file maps and overlay them on your current forecast map, zoom and scroll the whole assembly for more details, and customize the appearance of your map by choosing the color table and font size.

You can also generate maps for specific periods from GRIB codes, and based on the level and height.

Taking everything into account, GFS-view is a useful utility that surely comes in handy for users interested in creating weather forecast maps. The app sports a minimalist set of features, packed within an uncomplicated UI but, we have to say that it does require a bit of getting used to.

Since there's no user manual included, your best bet when it comes to learning how this app works is the Quick start guide from the app's official website.