Course description: Use and interpretation of ECMWF Products

2010

Computer Training Use of Products Num Weather Prediction Annual Seminar Meetings

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• General information for participants

ECMWF Products: Use and Interpretation of ECMWF Products,1 - 5 February and 8 - 12 February 2010 (course codes OP-I and OP-II)

Each module will start on Monday at 9.00h and finish Friday at 16.00h. This two courses are identical in content.

This part of the course concerns the operational aspects of the ECMWF forecasting system. The aim of the module is to increase the student's ability to examine and assess ECMWF output products, and to produce user-oriented products from gridpoint data. It is directed towards those staff in the Meteorological Services who are (or will be) using ECMWF products either directly as forecasting staff, or in research and development work, and is aimed at maximising the benefits to the users of the Centre's products. A basic purpose of this part of the course is to assist Member States and Co-operating States in improving the interface between the Centre and the end users of its forecasts.

There will be a series of lectures on the following topics:

• The ECMWF operational analysis and forecast system
• Verification and interpretation of numerical products
• Methods of deterministic interpretation
• Use and value of the probabilistic Ensemble Prediction System
• Use of medium range guidance for early warning of severe weather
• Monthly and Seasonal forecasts - description, products and interpretation
• Planned developments of the ECMWF operational system

The students will be given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the ECMWF products during laboratory sessions, including recently developed web applications.

The use and application of operational products for medium range forecasting will be evaluated, with extensive use of the ECMWF interactive graphics utility (Metview). Other products which are directly related to weather forecasting (such as direct model output of the temperature at 2 metres, clouds or precipitation) will be studied. The ensemble prediction system (EPS) will be presented and the range of available products will be introduced. A large part of the module will be devoted to the interpretation of these products and to the evaluation of their quality. Potential benefit of the probabilistic formulation of the forecast for medium range to seasonal range applications will also be demonstrated.

There will also be a discussion of the use of ECMWF products in the Member States and Co-operating States. Participants should collect relevant information about this from their own service before attending the course.

Attendance to the other modules is not a requirement for participation in module OP.