Met Office's new supercomputer could help avoid flight delays

The Met Office has upgraded its forecasting system with a new supercomputer that delivers clearer cloud, fog and rainfall predictions and extends severe weather forecasts from seven to 10 days.

The Met Office has announced a major upgrade to its forecasting system using a new supercomputer. The update delivers clearer cloud, fog and rainfall predictions. Forecasts have been extended from seven to 10 days, allowing earlier severe weather warnings. The forecaster described this as the most significant scientific upgrade in more than three years. Key facts: - The new system improves representation of cloud height, including low cloud, mist and fog, which the Met Office says is particularly important for aviation. - Rainfall forecasts now show more realistic intensities, according to the Met Office's director of science, Simon Vosper. - Winter temperature forecasts are closer to observed conditions, which the Met Office says will assist energy grid management, road gritting and aeroplane de-icing planning. - Global severe weather warnings can now be issued up to 10 days ahead, extended from seven days. - This is the first upgrade applied since the Met Office moved to a Microsoft-supplied supercomputer in May. Summary: The Met Office says the upgrade will make forecasts easier to interpret and that clearer short-range predictions and earlier warnings could be beneficial for sectors such as aviation and infrastructure. Specific operational changes or further rollout steps were not detailed. Undetermined at this time.