Spring 2021 Newsletter published
The spring 2021 issue of the ECMWF Newsletter is now available. As well as news about ECMWF staff and events, it features articles about new developments and the use that can be made of ECMWF products.
News
Copernicus Climate Change Service publishes report on 2020
The EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service implemented by ECMWF has produced a comprehensive overview of last year’s European climate. The European State of the Climate 2020 also includes a focus on the Arctic and a summary of global conditions.
ECMWF addresses underprediction of tropical storms in seasonal forecasts
A change in ECMWF’s seasonal prediction system SEAS5 has reduced the underprediction of tropical storms. Frédéric Vitart had a key role in developing it.
Data to inform policy-making: discussing climate challenges with Spain
The latest climate projections for the coming decades are now available in the Climate Data Store of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). A special event for decision-makers in Spain explored how such C3S climate data can help drive solutions for water and energy sectors.
World Meteorological Day focuses on the role of the ocean in weather and climate
This year, World Meteorological Day on 23 March focuses on ‘The ocean, our climate and weather’. At ECMWF, the ocean is an integral part of ensemble forecasts for medium, extended and seasonal ranges.
Abstract submission still open for hydrological event in the summer
ECMWF will host a three-day virtual event on global to local hydrological modelling and forecasting from 29 June 2021. Abstract submission is open until 31 March 2021.
Forecast performance in 2020
The year 2020 continued the upward trend of global forecast performance, driven by regular updates of the Integrated Forecasting System. Headline scores show positive effects in medium-range as well as extended-range forecasts.
Presenting Destination Earth: a digital replica of our planet
ECMWF will present EU plans on 5 March to develop a high-precision digital model of our planet. The purpose is to create a digital twin of the Earth that will make it possible to explore various natural processes and human activities.
Annual Seminar to focus on observations and to offer a very different experience
This year’s Annual Seminar is dedicated to the topic of observations. It will run from 12 to 18 September 2021 in Bonn, Germany, and is being held in coordination with the WCRP–WWRP Symposium on Data Assimilation and Reanalysis.
ECMWF-led CO2 monitoring project to deliver prototype system
A European programme to build a monitoring and verification support capability for global emissions of carbon dioxide related to human activities entered a new phase in January 2021 to deliver a prototype system by the end of 2023.