ECMWF to increase free and open data provision to WMO National Meteorological and Hydrological Services

At its recent session, the ECMWF Council voted to increase free and open data provision to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs).

Free access to ECMWF data for WMO NMHSs

Facilitating access to raw ECMWF data and boundary conditions for NMHSs of WMO Members to use as part of their forecast activities is one of the most effective ways ECMWF can support NMHSs. High-quality data are crucial not only for operational forecasting, but also for developing downstream modelling, including impact models vital for assessing various environmental and societal impacts.

In June, the ECMWF Council voted to waive the remaining service charges for the non-commercial licence for WMO NMHSs. This decision underscores the commitment of our Member States to strengthening the global meteorological infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing nations' capacity to mitigate weather-related risks, all in alignment with the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative.

There will be a phased rollout, beginning in 2024 and 2025, with countries participating in the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) and NMHSs in WMO Region VI. Eventually, it will expand to include all WMO NMHSs by 2027.

Free provision of ECMWF data to non-governmental organisations in support of WMO activities

The Council also voted to allow inter- and non-governmental organisations with regional responsibilities linked to the WMO to access our data on behalf of WMO-endorsed activities.

This will allow us to distribute data via regional centres such as the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) and the IGAD Climate Predictions and Application Center (ICPAC), which play a pivotal role in WMO-supported activities that focus exclusively on the protection of life and property.

This is particularly important for individual NMHSs of WMO Members that encounter infrastructural limitations, such as insufficient Internet connectivity, or that lack the technical capabilities required for data analysis and interpretation, and therefore rely on these larger regional entities for data processing and visualisation.

This change will ensure that ECMWF data are made available to those who need it most, thereby more effectively fulfilling the goal of protecting life and property.

Accessing ECMWF forecasts

Find out more about accessing our forecasts ➡️ https://www.ecmwf.int/en/forecasts/accessing-forecasts