Training course: A hands-on introduction to Numerical Weather Prediction Models: Understanding and Experimenting

ECMWF | Reading | 10-14 November 2025

This five-day course has a strong practical component and will draw on numerical weather prediction expertise from across ECMWF and provide an overview of the ECMWF model - while giving hands-on sessions to give you confidence to carry out your own experimentation with the OpenIFS model (or the IFS).

It is an opportunity to learn about: the building blocks of the NWP model (physics and dynamics); how to work with the output and input GRIB data and visualise it; technical aspects of compiling and running model code efficiently.

Please refer to the timetable on the left-hand side menu for the a draft agenda of the week, we will publishe the exact timetable closer to the training date.

Learning objectives:

  1. understand the core scientific and numerical elements of a NWP model
  2. be able to install, modify and work with the model
  3. conduct experiments using a extreme weather example and manipulate model output.  

Requirements

Practical sessions will be run in Jupyter Hub/environment; no coding experience is assumed but is an advantage.

A familiarity with the Unix/Linux environment will help with the practical sessions.

This course will cover the building blocks of ECMWF's IFS, and therefore a software licence with your institution/affiliation will be required. 

It is mandatroy to have an ECMWF User-ID before the training starts, please find more information on how to create one here.

All lectures will be given in English.

10 November (09:00) - 14 November (17:00)


Location: Reading (UK)


Course format: In-person only


Course code: NWP-HO


Course fee: £980

A course fee is payable by participants who do not reside in an ECMWF Member or Co-operating State.

More information about our fees


Applications for this course close on 1 July 2025.