1. Interoperability between the European NWP modelling systems Ulrich Schättler, François Bouttier, Xiaohua Yang, Radmila Brozkova, Alan Radford A Report for the 9 th COSMO General Meeting

2. 18.-21.09.2007 9 th COSMO General Meeting 2 Background / Motivation Recognized as possible Quick Win in the New Vision for NWP in Europe Designed as a technical programme (already clear deliverables) that is necessary for other suggested programmes As a main goal, meteorological data should be exchanged more efficiently between European NWP services „More efficiently“ mainly means: it should be useable!

3. 18.-21.09.2007 9 th COSMO General Meeting 3 The Concept Develop new adaptor software to plug together key components of several NWP production systems –large scale model A  boundaries for regional model B –regional analysis A  initial data for regional model B –direct model output A  post processing in centre B Exchange of regional direct model output in a clearly defined format (so that it can be used in other centres) Exchange of large scale model output: not clear yet; perhaps it is better to use the direct model output in the adaptors in order not to involve too many interpolations.

4. 18.-21.09.2007 9 th COSMO General Meeting 4 The Applications Build and maintain multi-model ensembles for probabilistic regional forecasts (MM- SREPS at INM, EurEPS) Compare the performance of European NWP system components (cf. Verification Programme) Facilitate European cooperation on NWP science and software Build backup systems on data of other NWP centers

5. 18.-21.09.2007 9 th COSMO General Meeting 5 The Proposal It addresses the scope, the scientific aspects, the deliverables, the timetable and the costs Although it is a programme of National Weather Services, the cooperation of the Consortia is necessary First step is a precise specification of the intended software development and the data formats For DMO of regional components: develop converters to and from the common exchange format for gridded NWP model fields Some converters (for global model) already exists (cf. INT2LM can use GME, IFS, COSMO-Model (and also UM data)). To convert the soil models is a serious issue Using the converters will remain optional for each NWP center

6. 18.-21.09.2007 9 th COSMO General Meeting 6 The Decision At the spring meeting of the EUMETNET council, the Interoperability Programme has been accepted by the Directors (with DWD not voting) Participation of DWD for a long time unclear Now it is decided: DWD will NOT take part because of financial reasons!

7. 18.-21.09.2007 9 th COSMO General Meeting 7 Last Actions Despite several groups taking part in the programme, no „Responsible Member“ was found (DWD not participating, MeteoFrance not wanting, UKMO unhappy with the formal organization) The structure of the proposal was re- discussed: UKMO thinks it is better to have a stronger involvement of the consortias: the money that should be spend for a full time position could be splitted up between the consortias (only a suggestion, not decided yet)

8. 18.-21.09.2007 9 th COSMO General Meeting 8 Last Actions This was mostly agreed, so that UKMO now delivered a proposal to become „Responsible Member“ of the Interoperability Programme Included work for –D1-D3 (defining the data formats) –D4: Adaptors for DMO  common format D5 (GM  LAM) and D6 (LAM  LAM) deferred to further examine the size and complexity of these tasks Practical work shall be done on the Consortia level, not by a RM and/or hired staff.

9. 18.-21.09.2007 9 th COSMO General Meeting 9 Implications for COSMO The only COSMO Member still willing to participate is Switzerland. DWD agreed to do work for D5. If we then can find time, also for D6. Who does the work for Deliverable D4 (COSMO  common data format)? Who takes part in the discussions for D1-D3 (defining the common data formats)?

10. 18.-21.09.2007 9 th COSMO General Meeting 10 Implications for COSMO COSMO definitely has to take part in the Interoperability Programme!!! Thank you for your attention!