#IFS47r1
ECMWF upgrades its forecasting system on a regular basis, and one such upgrade is currently planned for 30 June 2020. These upgrades enable the Centre to integrate the latest scientific advances into its Integrated Forecasting System (IFS).
Ahead of the implementation of IFS Cycle 47r1, Director of Research Andy Brown explained the changes and how they will improve forecasts in a webinar on 21 April at 8:30 UTC and 22 April at 14:30 UTC.
The upgrade brings improvements in data assimilation, including developments to the weak-constraint 4D-Var and improvements to the initial balance of the analysis. In the model, more accurate vertical interpolation in the advection scheme significantly improves stratospheric performance in a cost-effective manner, and changes to surface drag over the ocean at high wind speeds improve the wind–intensity relationship for tropical cyclones. These and other developments were described.
Further webinars are planned for 27 May at 8:30 UTC and 28 May at 14:30 UTC with a focus on verification, technical access to the test data, and new parameters and products.
A list of what is different in IFS Cycle 47r1 is provided on the implementation page for forecast users, where regular updates on this upgrade will be posted.