Met Office launches major upgrade to forecasting system

The Met Office has launched a major scientific upgrade using its new supercomputer to deliver clearer, more accurate forecasts, improving rain, snow, cloud, fog and temperature predictions and extending global forecasts to 10 days.

The Met Office has introduced a major upgrade to its forecasting system that it says produces clearer and more accurate weather and climate forecasts. This change is described as the first significant scientific advancement delivered using the Met Office's new supercomputer. The upgrade is reported to improve how rain and snow are shown and to provide better guidance on cloud and fog. The announcement says colder season temperatures and storm intensity will be forecast with greater precision and that global forecasts will extend to 10 days. Key details: - The upgrade is the first major scientific advancement delivered using the Met Office's new supercomputer, according to the organisation. - Forecasts will more accurately show rain and snow and aim to be clearer and more intuitive, reflecting real-world conditions. - Modelling improvements are reported to provide more accurate guidance on cloud and fog, noted as particularly relevant for travel and aviation. - Colder season temperatures are said to be forecast with greater precision to support gritting operations and energy demand planning. - The upgraded system will extend global forecasting out to 10 days and provide a clearer view of storm intensity around the world. - Met Office Director of Science Professor Simon Vosper described the changes as a major positive step, and Science Minister Lord Vallance highlighted benefits for aviation, roads and earlier storm preparation. Summary: The Met Office says the upgrade will enable meteorologists to issue warnings further in advance and give partners earlier insight into potentially disruptive weather, strengthening early warning capability and resilience. It is presented as delivering benefits across public services and industries that rely on accurate weather information. Undetermined at this time.