Our supercomputer for weather and climate forecasting

Our supercomputing system

With greater capacity and even higher performance, our new supercomputing system is the first cloud-based supercomputer dedicated to weather and climate science and will set new standards for industry leveraging the combined strengths of the Met Office and Microsoft.

Running on a cloud-based system, the new supercomputer is a fully managed 'supercompting-as-a-service' model. This means it is more adaptable to future developments, with more flexible options to adjust the service based on the changing needs of the Met Office and the UK.

After a seamless transition in May 2025, we now provide our operational weather and climate intelligence via our new supercomputer.

This first phase of the supercomputer is the next step on our technological innovation journey, driving scientific excellence for the next generation, enabling more detailed and accurate weather forecasts and new capabilities in climate science research.

 

 

What benefits will the new supercomputer provide?

The new supercomputer provides several advantages, including better forecasts over longer periods, the ability to run more complex weather models, and the flexibility to expand capacities for specific research projects on a case-by-case basis.

• more accurate warnings of severe weather, helping to build resilience and protect the UK population, businesses and infrastructure from the impacts of storms, floods, heatwaves and droughts.
• enabling groundbreaking new climate change modelling, developing the potential of our expertise in climate science to help build a resilient, low carbon economy.   
• ensuring the UK can continue to lead the field in weather and climate science and services, helping it to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050.
• securing the Met Office and the UK’s prominent, authoritative voice, directly contributing to the UK’s global reputation for scientific research and innovation.
• being powered through use of 100% renewable energy and market leading energy efficiency, saving thousands of tonnes CO2 in the first year of operational service alone. 

An increase in supercomputing capacity will lead to improved understanding of expected future rainfall trends and extremes, as well as changes to sea level, along with their impacts at a local level. This will aid decision-making around flooding and the associated damage to property, disruption to infrastructure and services in present day and future climate.

To find out more, watch our video below and read the accompanying guest blog by Microsoft.