The SOFF (Systematic Observations Financing Facility) initiative from the WMO is aimed at supporting beneficiary countries to generate and exchange GBON (Global Basic Observing Network) data. These data are critical for improved weather forecasts and climate services.
SOFF currently lists 76 beneficiary countries. ECMWF will provide the beneficiary countries with access to a dedicated dataset of high-resolution forecasts in real-time. ECMWF is implementing this support in phases and is now in the process of providing some first National Meteorological Services with access to this dataset.
A total of 6 regions have been defined, with the following coordinates (N/W/S/E):
- West Africa (26/-25.9/2/20)
- Central and Eastern Africa (23.8/6/-14/52)
- Southern Africa (-4/21/-26.74/70)
- Asia (42/62/-11/128)
- Pacific (16/132/-22/-157.16)
- Latin America and the Caribbean (30/-92/-5/-50)
How to access and read the SOFF initiative dataset
For more information on accessing and reading these products, please see https://confluence.ecmwf.int/display/DAC/SOFF+initiative%3A+technical+documentation