19th EGOWS meeting, Ljubljana 9-12 June 2008

1. NinJo system at the Spanish Meteorological Service. Modernization of the forecasting process.Fermín ElizagaForecasting Division 19th EGOWS meeting, Ljubljana 9-12 June 2008

2. NinJo system at the AEMet Outline Project for the modernization of the forecasting process NinJo system to replace the old McIDAS WS Status of the NinJo implementation Examples using Spanish data Digital forecast database and GFE Future plans 2 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

3. Modernization project Background We are aware that the accumulated delay in automation at the AEMET, during the last decade, has created a difficult situation for the production activities. It was clear, in 2005, that a high priority of the AEMET should be to initiate, as soon as possible, the activities leading to a modernization of the forecasting process and to an increase of the automation in the product generation. Working Group for the Modernization of the Forecasting Process (2005).The WG analyzed and reviewed other forecasting systems around the world. 3 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

4. Modernization project Objectives To develop an integrated forecasting/production environment allowing: A rational elaboration of products with a predefined quality. Final products will be obtained without the intervention of the forecasters. A significant increase in the number of graphic products. At the present moment, a primary means of providing weather forecasts is still textual in form. 4 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

5. Modernization project Fundamental elements The new approach will rely on three basic elements: Digital Forecast Data Base (BDDP in Spanish) Generation of the basic digital forecast by interactive modification of the BDDP Automatic elaboration and dissemination of products 5 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

6. Modernization project Interactive BDDP modification Numerical models Sensible weather elements Automatic product generation BDDP – Digital Forecast Data Base AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

7. NinJo system at the AEMet NinJo: New meteorological workstation During 2006 and 2007 we evaluated the NinJo versions 1.1 and 1.2 (static data) The main results of these evaluations were: NinJo can replace, with advantage, the McIDAS system. Although there are some limitations at the present moment, NinJo is a system in development, so it will be possible to take into account Spanish requirements for the near future. It will increase the production capabilities of the AEMet. 7 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

8. NinJo system at the AEMET NinJo: New meteorological workstation In September 2007 we initiated the activities to introduce a new WS based on the NinJo system. At the present moment we have installed: Two data servers One Cinesat XRIT decoder Four Ninjo clients for evaluation at different forecasting units. A course for administration and configuration will take place this month. 8 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

9. NinJo system at the AEMET NinJo: New meteorological workstation Now there are different data ingested into the NinJo system: Conventional observations Numerical models: HIRLAM and ECMWF Radar data (only PPI for the moment) Satellite data (MSG) Lightning data 9 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

10. NinJo system at the AEMET 10 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

11. NinJo system at the AEMET 11 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

12. NinJo system at the AEMET 12 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

13. NinJo system at the AEMET 13 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

14. NinJo system at the AEMET 14 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

15. Digital forecast database Digital Forecast Database- BDDP It will be the crucial element of the modernization process. The BDDP stores the basic forecast using sensible weather elements and parameters. It contains a picture, as detailed as possible, of the state of the atmosphere and its evolution. The basic forecast is established only one time for every forecast cycle. BDDP is not designed for a specific product or purpose. 15 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

16. Digital forecast database • 2m Temperature, Tmax and Tmin, Tmax and Tmin variations in 24 h, etc. • 10 m Wind and Wind gusts • 2m Relative Humidity • Wind Chill and Heat Index • Probability of precipitation at different thresholds and periods • Intensity and type of precipitation (rain, snow, shower) • Sky cover (total, low, medium, high) • Probability of thunderstorms, fogs, etc. • Probability of snowfall at different thresholds, periods and the snow-rain limit. AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

17. Digital forecast database AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

18. Graphical Forecast Editor GFE (Graphical Forecast Editor) This year we have started a project to implement the GFE at the AEMet (GFE is in operation at the NWS WFOs, USA). GFE is an interactive graphical forecast preparation system for producing routine forecast products in various formats. The main functions of the GFE are: Initializing database Viewing and editing grids Coordination with adjacent offices Running background programs (e.g., text generation)‏ 18 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency

19. Modernization project Plans for near future To clearly identify the minimum requirements for the NinJo system to replace McIDAS WS. We plan to put in operation the first NinJo WS during 2009. To complete the development of the first version of the BDDP. To implement in a preoperational environment the GFE (and the combination of BDDP and GFE) during 2010. 19 AEMET, Spanish Meteorological Agency