![Extract from first ECMWF operational forecast Extract from first ECMWF operational forecast](/sites/default/files/styles/900x/public/19024-ecmwf-first-operational-forecast-1979-crop-690px_6.jpg?itok=l8OFypzK)
ECMWF celebrates 40 years of operational medium-range forecasting
On 1 August 1979 ECMWF produced its first operational medium-range forecast for Member States. This major achievement marked the first milestone on the road towards producing useful weather forecasts beyond two to three days.