An external view of the Met Office building at night.

Dr Ian Boutle

Areas of expertise

  • Boundary-layer turbulence

  • Cloud parametrization

  • Microphysics

  • Mid-latitude cyclones

Publications by Ian Boutle

Current activities

Ian is currently leading the work to implement physical parametrizations from the Unified Model into LFRic, building on previous experience undertaking a similar task when the ENDGame dynamical core was implemented into the Unified Model. This work has now built the first prototype weather and climate model using the next-generation modelling infrastructure.

Previously, Ian has worked on how very high resolution modelling of the Greater London area may help improve fog forecasting at Heathrow airport. He has also lead modelling studies of the VOCALS, COALESC and LANFEX field campaigns, and he has contributed to GCSS intercomparisons, investigating stratocumulus to shallow cumulus transitions and cloud-climate feedbacks.

Career background

Ian joined the Met Office in 2009, joining the Atmospheric Processes and Parametrizations group. In 2019-20, Ian completed a 12 month secondment to NIWA, where he helped to develop and implement a very high resolution model of the Auckland area, similar to what the Met Office run operationally over London. He also utilised high resolution modelling to assist with scenario planning for tropical cyclones making landfall in New Zealand. Before joining the Met Office, Ian completed a PhD in the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading, investigating the coupling between the atmospheric boundary layer and mid-latitude cyclones. Ian also gained a first class honours degree in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Warwick.

External recognition