Interoperability between the European NWP modelling systems

Ulrich Schättler, François Bouttier, Xiaohua Yang, Radmila Brozkova, Alan Radford

A Report for the 9th COSMO General Meeting

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Background / Motivation

• Recognized as possible Quick Win in the New Vision for NWP in Europe

• Designed as a technical programme (already clear deliverables) that is necessary for other suggested programmes

• As a main goal, meteorological data should be exchanged more efficiently between European NWP services

• „More efficiently“ mainly means: it should be useable!

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The Concept

• Develop new adaptor software to plug together key components of several NWP production systems– large scale model A boundaries for regional

model B– regional analysis A initial data for regional model B– direct model output A post processing in centre B

• Exchange of regional direct model output in a clearly defined format (so that it can be used in other centres)

• Exchange of large scale model output: not clear yet; perhaps it is better to use the direct model output in the adaptors in order not to involve too many interpolations.

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The Applications

• Build and maintain multi-model ensembles for probabilistic regional forecasts (MM-SREPS at INM, EurEPS)

• Compare the performance of European NWP system components (cf. Verification Programme)

• Facilitate European cooperation on NWP science and software

• Build backup systems on data of other NWP centers

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The Proposal

• It addresses the scope, the scientific aspects, the deliverables, the timetable and the costs

• Although it is a programme of National Weather Services, the cooperation of the Consortia is necessary

• First step is a precise specification of the intended software development and the data formats

• For DMO of regional components: develop converters to and from the common exchange format for gridded NWP model fields

• Some converters (for global model) already exists (cf. INT2LM can use GME, IFS, COSMO-Model (and also UM data)). To convert the soil models is a serious issue

• Using the converters will remain optional for each NWP center

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The Decision

• At the spring meeting of the EUMETNET council, the Interoperability Programme has been accepted by the Directors (with DWD not voting)

• Participation of DWD for a long time unclear

• Now it is decided: DWD will NOT take part because of financial reasons!

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Last Actions

• Despite several groups taking part in the programme, no „Responsible Member“ was found (DWD not participating, MeteoFrance not wanting, UKMO unhappy with the formal organization)

• The structure of the proposal was re-discussed: UKMO thinks it is better to have a stronger involvement of the consortias: the money that should be spend for a full time position could be splitted up between the consortias (only a suggestion, not decided yet)

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Last Actions

• This was mostly agreed, so that UKMO now delivered a proposal to become „Responsible Member“ of the Interoperability Programme

• Included work for – D1-D3 (defining the data formats)– D4: Adaptors for DMO common format

• D5 (GM LAM) and D6 (LAM LAM) deferred to further examine the size and complexity of these tasks

• Practical work shall be done on the Consortia level, not by a RM and/or hired staff.

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Implications for COSMO

• The only COSMO Member still willing to participate is Switzerland.

• DWD agreed to do work for D5. If we then can find time, also for D6.

• Who does the work for Deliverable D4 (COSMO common data format)?

• Who takes part in the discussions for D1-D3 (defining the common data formats)?

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Implications for COSMO

• COSMO definitely has to take part in the Interoperability Programme!!!

Thank you for your attention!