Using ECMWF’s Forecasts (UEF2024)

ECMWF periodically gives Member and Co-operating States an opportunity to provide formalised feedback on ECMWF products, including verification thereof. This time we delayed sending out the request because of the introduction, in June 2023, of our first model cycle to exploit the new ATOS supercomputer in Bologna - 48r1. This had higher spatial resolution, and a very different configuration for the extended ranges. By delaying we hoped to gather some early feedback on that cycle.

The request, that went out in March 2024, allowed users to either respond to an online questionnaire, or create a text report in the classical way. We keep most of the questions the same - such as "what direct use do you make of ECMWF medium range products?" - but also adapt to the changing environment with new items. New questions this time related to CAMS and fire-related forecast outputs, data-driven AI models such as AIFS, and the good and bad points of cycle 48r1. This presentation will summarise the responses, including examples from particular weather events.