New Models: BOM, CMA, MeteoFrance and ERA5 Ocean
Welcoming More High-Resolution Weather Models to the Mix!
Entering 2024, the Open-Meteo API integrated four additional weather models:
GFS GRAPES from China Meteorological Administration (CMA)
ACCESS-G from Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
0.25° ARPEGE from MeteoFrance and 3-hourly updates for AROME
ERA5 Ocean variables featuring data from 1940 onwards
These models are accessible as open data and can be utilized through the Open-Meteo Weather API. Here are the details:
China Meteorological Administration (CMA)
The GFS GRAPES stands out as an independently developed weather model by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA). It delivers data at 3-hour intervals, providing forecasts for up to 10 days. With a resolution of 0.125° covering the entire globe and undergoing four updates daily, it is on par with global models from esteemed meteorological services like the German weather service DWD or the American weather service NOAA NCEP.
A diverse range of weather variables is at your disposal. Notably, wind forecasts are available at 10, 30, 50, 70, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, and 200 meters above ground. Additionally, the entire atmosphere is covered with 30 atmospheric pressure levels.
For a detailed list of weather variables, refer to the dedicated CMA Forecast API documentation. Additionally, the model is integrated into the main Weather Forecast API, offering quick comparisons with other weather models.
Here is a comparison of 8 weather models from major national weather services. All weather models are fairly close to the measured temperature of -2°C. Due to overcast and stable conditions, the temperature remains constant throughout the weekend. Notably, the Canadian Global Environmental Multiscale Model (GEM) forecasts a clear sky for the night of January 17, resulting in a temperature drop.
Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
The ACCESS-G global weather model provides an approximate global resolution of 0.15°. Similar to GFS GRAPES, it undergoes updates every 6 hours but stands out by offering 1-hourly data. It includes all standard weather variables and wind speed forecasts at 10, 40, 80, and 120 meters above ground. Further details can be found on the dedicated BOM Forecast API.
As a special feature, perturbed forecasts from ACCESS-GE are accessible, featuring 18 members at a global resolution of 0.4°. With 3-hourly time steps and updates every 6 hours, the Ensemble API allows access to all ensemble forecasts.
Much like the comparison of independent weather services, perturbed forecasts signify the uncertainty in weather prediction. Examining the current ACCESS-GE ensemble forecast reveals similar patterns, such as the temperature drop on January 17 for Berlin. Equally intriguing is the stability of all ensemble members for 6 days, indicating a high level of confidence in the weather forecast.
MeteoFrance
The global ARPEGE model from MeteoFrance has been upgraded from 0.5° to 0.25° resolution. This, coupled with the switch from 3-hourly to 1-hourly values, has notably improved the accuracy of local forecasts.
Moreover, the regional AROME models by MeteoFrance, encompassing Europe and France, now provide updates every 3 hours from the previous 6 hours. This increased frequency is important for incorporating the latest satellite and radar observations into local models.
For detailed information on the AROME and ARPEGE models, refer to the dedicated MeteoFrance API documentation. Additionally, these models have been seamlessly integrated into the standard weather forecast API.
ERA5 Ocean
Finally, an addition to the Marine API includes wave height, period, and direction data spanning the past 80 years. To access historical wave information, simply choose "ERA5-Ocean" from the "Wave Models" dropdown menu and set the desired time interval in the past.
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