Summer 2018 Newsletter published
The summer 2018 issue of the ECMWF Newsletter is now available. As well as news about ECMWF staff and events, it features articles about new developments and the use that can be made of ECMWF products.
News
ECMWF makes more data freely available to WMO Members
ECMWF has substantially increased the amount of weather prediction data it makes available free of charge to Members of the World Meteorological Organization. The provision of the data is part of the Centre’s obligations as a World Meteorological Centre.
Experts probe new ways to couple weather model physics and dynamics
Finding better ways to couple small-scale physical processes and large-scale atmospheric dynamics in Earth system models could help to improve global weather forecasts, according to experts meeting at ECMWF from 10 to 12 July.
Registration for ECMWF’s 2018 Annual Seminar still open
Registration for ECMWF’s 2018 Annual Seminar on Earth system assimilation closes on Friday, 27 July. Attendance is free for participants from ECMWF’s Member and Co-operating States.
ECMWF users test use of virtual reality to visualise data
Participants in this year’s ECMWF user meeting from 5 to 8 June 2018 tested the use of virtual reality to visualise weather data. They also heard about ECMWF product updates and showed software or services developed in ECMWF’s Member and Co-operating States.
ECMWF appoints new Director of Computing
Dr Martin Palkovič has been appointed to become ECMWF’s next Director of Computing from 1 October 2018. He succeeds Prof. Adrian Wander, who will step down after a transition period to ensure a seamless handover.
How did the Integrated Forecasting System get its name?
Thirty years ago ECMWF started a major project to rewrite the computer code of its forecasting system. One of the key players in the project, Mats Hamrud, says the system he and his colleagues went on to develop has stood the test of time but needs to keep evolving to meet new challenges.
Game-changing Climate Data Store launched
Europe’s Climate Data Store (CDS), launched today, is a one-stop-shop for past, present and future climate information. The CDS greatly improves access to climate data and tools, is open and free for all to use, and will change the ways in which society can benefit from Earth observations and climate science.
How to couple the ocean, sea ice and the atmosphere in forecasts
Since 5 June 2018, rapid interactions between the ocean, sea ice and the atmosphere have been included in ECMWF’s highest-resolution weather forecasts. ECMWF scientist Kristian Mogensen has helped to make this latest move towards seamless Earth system modelling.
IFS upgrade improves extended-range weather forecasts
A wide-ranging upgrade of ECMWF’s Integrated Forecasting System (IFS), implemented on 5 June 2018, brings better global weather forecasts, with particularly consistent gains in the extended range.