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Numerical Weather Prediction model data

We can supply a range of model weather data for expert users.

Types of model data

There are two main types of models, the 'Met Office Unified Model', and the 'FOAM' (Forecast Ocean Assimilation Model).

The Met Office Data Manager is also the UK licensing Agent for ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts).

The Met Office Unified Model

The Met Office Unified Model is the numerical modelling system developed and used at the Met Office. It is 'seamless' in that different configurations of the same model are used across all time and space scales. This model can produce the following data sets.

Nowcasting

Nowcasting is a technique used for very short-range forecasting. The current weather is mapped and then an estimate of its speed and direction of movement is used to forecast the weather a short period ahead (assuming the weather will move without significant changes). It takes time to gather and map weather observations, so a short forecast is needed to outline what the weather is currently.

Nowcasts can be used as a source of detailed guidance on the location, extent and timing of imminent, often high impact weather events.

FOAM Ocean Assimilation Model

The FOAM model produces real-time analyses and forecasts of the temperature, salinity and currents of the deep ocean up to five days ahead. The FOAM system is built around a physically based ocean model. It is driven by surface fluxes from the Met Office NWP system and uses the measurements of ocean temperature, salinity and surface height that are available in near realtime to keep the model close to reality.