In focus

Graphic to represent ECMWF at AMS 2023

ECMWF at the AMS Annual Meeting 2023

Topics to be presented by ECMWF at the American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting (8 to 12 January 2023) range from forecasting system improvements and open data to user outreach and engagement, digital twins and the work of the EU Copernicus services implemented by ECMWF.
ECMWF NINO3.4 plot from 1 November 2022

Fact sheet: Extended- and long-range predictions

ECMWF issues extended-range weather predictions up to 46 days ahead. They are ensemble forecasts, and they show predicted week-to-week changes in the weather. Long-range predictions are ensemble forecasts, too, and they are mainly issued up to seven months ahead.
ECMWF 30yrs Ensemble

30 years of ensemble forecasting at ECMWF

2022 marks 30 years since ensemble forecasting became operational at ECMWF. Here we look back over the last three decades and forward to future developments.
ECMWF supercomputer in Bologna

Fact sheet: Supercomputing at ECMWF

Find out why ECMWF needs a supercomputer, what we use it for, and how developments in supercomputing can help to provide more skilful weather forecasts.
pdist_loop animation

European heatwave update: drought and extended-range forecasts

Another heatwave is currently affecting most of Europe with various and very high intensity levels. This follows heatwave conditions across Europe earlier this summer, which have now contributed to large parts of Europe also experiencing severe drought conditions.
18-hour forecast of 500 hPa geopotential height and 850 hPa temperature from 00 UTC 18 July 2022

Update on European heatwave of July 2022

A heatwave is currently hitting much of Europe with different but very high intensity levels. National meteorological services of each of the affected countries are responsible for the dissemination of information and warnings.
ECMWF at EGU22 graphic

ECMWF at the EGU General Assembly 2022

Find out when ECMWF staff are speaking at the General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), being held 23–27 May 2022 both in Vienna (Austria) and online.

Earth system diagram

Global numerical modelling at the heart of ECMWF’s forecasts

Our global numerical model has evolved from atmosphere only to encompass the Earth system as a whole. This Earth system approach underpins all our forecasts and it has opened up the development of a range of environmental services.
ECMWF data centre, Bologna

Data Handling System move to new data centre: practical implications for users in 2022

ECMWF’s new data centre in Italy is close to becoming fully operational. The process has involved the migration of huge amounts of data and systems, which has been conducted with minimal disruption to our service to users. The final stages will involve the physical move of some of our equipment and we are expecting a certain level of disruption to some of our activities.

ECMWF at AMS Annual Meeting 2022

ECMWF at the AMS Annual Meeting 2022

An overview of ECMWF presentations at the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), taking place virtually from 22 to 27 January 2022 under the theme 'Environmental Security: weather, water and climate for a more secure world'.
Car under fallen tree following storm

ECMWF synoptic-style weather charts – a set of tools to help forecast adverse weather

Updated in May 2021, ECMWF’s extratropical cyclone database products provide forecasters with familiar synoptic-style charts. They show fronts and low-pressure (cyclonic) weather systems that can be associated with hazardous conditions such as strong winds, snow and rain.
Earth system diagram

Fact sheet: Earth system modelling at ECMWF

ECMWF’s Earth system model aims to represent interactions between as many Earth system components as required, at the necessary level of complexity and as initialised by data assimilation, to achieve the Centre’s forecasting goals.
Person typing on laptop

How to get support from ECMWF

The ECMWF Support Portal provides a single point of entry for users to request support and find documentation.

Ocean waves

Fact sheet: Ocean wave forecasting

Marine weather forecasts can help to save lives and limit the damage caused by severe storms. This fact sheet explains how ocean waves are forecast at ECMWF, how observations are used and what forecast products are provided.
Schematic of the reanalysis process

Fact sheet: Reanalysis

Reanalysis data provide the most complete picture currently possible of past weather and climate. This fact sheet explains what reanalysis is and what it is used for.
Composite image of Earth as seen by Metop-B satellite

Fact sheet: ECMWF’s use of satellite observations

Satellite observations make a crucial contribution to the quality of today’s weather forecasts. This fact sheet explains the types of satellite observations available and how ECMWF uses such data in its operational forecasting system and in research activities.

COVID-19 updates image

COVID-19 (coronavirus) update

As the situation around COVID-19 continues to evolve, ECMWF staff, whether in Italy or in the United Kingdom, are now working remotely. The operation and delivery of our mission-critical activities are not affected. Staff will continue to be available via email. For updates on our events, please check the relevant pages on this website.
Earth observation system

Fact sheet: Earth system data assimilation

The quality of weather forecasts crucially depends on our ability to accurately estimate the current state of the Earth system. This Q&A explains how Earth system data assimilation enables us to make such estimates.
International Women's Day 2020

International Women’s Day 2020: Celebrating women in science

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2020, ECMWF asked a selection of experts and leaders in the world of meteorology to tell us their story.