European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts

European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts
Name	European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts
Formation	1975
Headquarters	Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Leader title	Director
Leader name	Florence Rabier
Parent organization	European Union, European Space Agency

European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts is an independent intergovernmental organization supported by 34 European Union and European Free Trade Association states, with its headquarters in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom. The centre was established in 1975, with the goal of improving weather forecasting and climate prediction through the use of advanced numerical weather prediction models, such as the Integrated Forecasting System developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency and the World Meteorological Organization. The centre's work is closely linked to that of other international organizations, including the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the United States, as well as the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Chinese Meteorological Administration. The centre's research and development activities are also supported by the European Research Council and the European Commission.

Introduction

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts plays a critical role in providing medium-range weather forecasting services to its member states, as well as to other countries and international organizations, such as the United Nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The centre's forecasts are used by a wide range of users, including national meteorological services, such as Météo-France and the Deutscher Wetterdienst, as well as by aviation and shipping industries, and by emergency management agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the United States. The centre's work is also closely linked to that of other European organizations, including the European Environment Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The centre's research and development activities are supported by collaborations with universities and research institutions, such as the University of Reading and the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology.

History

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts was established in 1975, with the signing of the Convention of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts by 17 European Union member states, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. The centre began operations in 1979, with the launch of its first numerical weather prediction model, which was developed in collaboration with the National Meteorological Center in the United States and the Canadian Meteorological Centre. Since then, the centre has undergone significant developments, including the introduction of new models, such as the Integrated Forecasting System, and the expansion of its membership to include new countries, such as Poland and Czech Republic. The centre has also established partnerships with other international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Organization

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts is governed by a Council of Members, which is composed of representatives from each of the centre's member states, including Austria, Belgium, and Denmark. The council is responsible for setting the centre's overall strategy and direction, as well as for approving its budget and work program, which is supported by the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The centre is also supported by a Scientific Advisory Committee, which provides advice on scientific and technical matters, and by a Technical Advisory Committee, which provides advice on technical and operational matters, including collaborations with the European Space Agency and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The centre's staff includes scientists, engineers, and technicians from a wide range of countries, including Italy, Spain, and Sweden.

Models and Forecasting

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts uses a range of numerical weather prediction models to produce its forecasts, including the Integrated Forecasting System, which is one of the most advanced models in the world, and is used by other organizations, such as the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and the Japanese Meteorological Agency. The centre's models are run on a powerful supercomputer, which is capable of performing complex calculations and simulations, and is supported by the European Commission and the European Research Council. The centre's forecasts are produced using a combination of model output and observational data, including data from weather satellites, such as Meteosat and GOES, and from weather radar and weather stations, which are operated by national meteorological services, such as the UK Met Office and the German Weather Service.

Research and Development

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts is involved in a wide range of research and development activities, including the development of new numerical weather prediction models, such as the Integrated Forecasting System, and the improvement of existing models, through collaborations with universities and research institutions, such as the University of Oxford and the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology. The centre is also involved in the development of new ensemble forecasting techniques, which allow for the production of probabilistic forecasts, and is supported by the European Research Council and the European Commission. The centre's research and development activities are supported by collaborations with other international organizations, including the World Meteorological Organization and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as by partnerships with the private sector, including companies such as IBM and Microsoft.

Operations and Products

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts produces a wide range of products and services, including medium-range weather forecasts, which are used by national meteorological services, such as Météo-France and the Deutscher Wetterdienst, as well as by other users, such as aviation and shipping industries, and by emergency management agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the United States. The centre also produces climate predictions, which are used by a wide range of users, including policy makers and researchers, and are supported by the European Environment Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The centre's products and services are delivered through a range of channels, including the Internet and satellite broadcasts, and are used by countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, and China. The centre's operations are supported by collaborations with other international organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Health Organization.

Category:European Union agencies