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+---
+name: Production Update
+about: Use this template for operational production updates
+title:
+labels: production update
+assignees:
+  - KateFriedman-NOAA
+
+---
+
+**Description**
+<!-- Provide a consise description of the production update. -->
+<!-- Include related issues in component repositories. -->
+<!-- Include expected new version # (e.g. GFS.v#.#.#) -->
+
+**Workflow Changes**
+<!-- What are the anticipated changes coming into the workflow? -->
+<!-- Include version variables, checkout tags, config/parm, etc. -->
+
+**Tasks**
+- [ ] Create release branch
+- [ ] Make workflow changes for upgrade in release branch (add additional checklist items as needed)
+- [ ] Create release notes
+- [ ] Cut hand-off tag for CDF
+- [ ] Submit CDF to NCO
+- [ ] Implementation into operations complete
+- [ ] Merge release branch into operational branch
+- [ ] Cut version tag from operational branch
+- [ ] Release new version tag
+- [ ] Announce to users
+- [ ] Update Read-The-Docs operations status version in develop