NWP SAF AMV Monitoring

The NWP SAF AMV (atmospheric motion vector) monitoring site is primarily aimed at providing monthly monitoring plots and biennial analysis reports with the aim of improving the derived AMVs and their treatment in NWP models. However, the site also provides background information on the AMVs and links to other useful websites. One recent addition is the provision of pages detailing how the AMVs are used at various NWP centres. These are available from the NWP section of the AMV information page.

See below for further information on the primary aim of the NWP SAF AMV monitoring and follow the links in the top bar to view the plots and to access further information on the AMVs.

The AMV monitoring displays differences between AMVs and NWP model background winds valid at the same time. The background winds are derived by interpolating short-term forecast wind fields in time and space.

Both the AMVs and the model forecast contribute to the differences observed in the plots. By comparing plots for different NWP centres, it may be possible to separate contributions from the two sources. Differences between centres suggest model-dependent problems whereas similarities suggest either problems with the AMVs or problems shared by the different NWP models.

It is hoped that the information provided in these plots should enable the improvement of both derived AMVs and their treatment within NWP models.

Please use the NWP SAF Feedback Form if you have comments or suggestions about this product, or if you would like your NWP centre to contribute to future versions.

The AMV monitoring report is issued under the auspices of the NWP SAF, a EUMETSAT-funded project that exists to coordinate research and development efforts among the SAF partners to improve the interface between satellite data and NWP for the benefit of EUMETSAT member states. The host centre for the NWP SAF is the Met Office, and its partners are ECMWF, KNMI and Météo-France.