The objective of this course is to assist Member States and Co-operating States in advanced training on the operational aspects of the ECMWF forecasting system. The course is focussed on the operational aspects of the ECMWF forecasting system. The aim of the module is to increase the student's ability to examine and assess ECMWF output products. It is directed towards those staff who are (or will be) using ECMWF products either directly as forecasting staff, or in research and development work and to trainers and training champions. The course is aimed at maximising the benefits to the users of the Centre's products. Lectures on aspects of ECMWF forecasting systems will be complemented with practical sessions where the students will use ECMWF in real case situations. Students will be given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with recently developed web applications for data visualisation. The ensemble prediction system (ENS) will be presented and the range of available products will be introduced. A large part of the module will be devoted to the interpretation of these products and to the evaluation of their quality. Potential benefits of the probabilistic formulation of the forecast for medium range to seasonal range applications will also be demonstrated. There will be two editions of this course: the first for trainers and training champions and the second open to all. This course provides theoretical background information on ECMWF forecasting system and hands on experience in using ECMWF meteorological products both in the forecasting room and in making more informed decisions when weather plays a key role. The course is open to forecasters/managers/researchers from National Meteorological Services of its own Member and Cooperating States. The centre point of the practical sessions is a real weather event which is examined with the help of meteorological forecast products. The course focus on medium, monthly and seasonal forecast ranges. |