Celebrating 25 Years of Advancing Weather Prediction
For a quarter of a century, the Numerical Weather Prediction Satellite Application Facility (NWP SAF) has been at the forefront of enhancing the predictive power of weather models through the effective utilization of satellite data. As we celebrate its 25th anniversary, we reflect on the significant contributions and advancements that NWP SAF has brought to the field.
Established as part of the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) Satellite Application Facilities programme, NWP SAF has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between satellite observations and numerical weather prediction models. Since its inception, NWP SAF has been dedicated to developing and disseminating high-quality software that are now considered to be essential for Numerical Weather Prediction. The NWP SAF has also been providing operational monitoring that helps NWP centers around the world using the highest satellite data quality possible and educational training in the understanding and use of satellite data in NWP that is aimed at increasing exposure of the new satellite data.
Over the past 25 years, NWP SAF has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between meteorological institutions, research organizations, and satellite operators. This collaborative effort has not only facilitated the exchange of expertise but has also led to continuous improvements in satellite data assimilation techniques. The result is a more comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere and more precise weather predictions benefiting a wide range of industries and communities.
The impact of NWP SAF also extends beyond the realm of numerical weather prediction. As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing global concern, NWP SAF products and services aids climate scientists in monitoring and assessing changes in the Earth’s climate, ultimately supporting efforts to mitigate and adapt to a changing environment.
As we celebrate 25 years of NWP SAF, it is an opportune moment to acknowledge the dedication and innovation of the high-performing team of talented scientists, people at the top of their field working on the NWP SAF products, that has characterized this consortium. The advancements made in the integration of satellite data into numerical weather prediction models have undoubtedly played a crucial role in advancing the science of meteorology.
Looking ahead, the legacy of NWP SAF will continue to be a valuable asset to the global meteorological community and to push the boundaries of what is possible in understanding and predicting the ever-changing weather patterns of our planet. In particular, as EUMETSAT is deploying its groundbreaking Polar System of Second Generation and Meteosat Third Generation programmes, representing the largest ever expansion of our capability to observe weather from space, a host of new and exciting scientific opportunities as well as challenges emerges. The NWP SAF remains committed to provide the tools for a seamless uptake and exploitation of the new advanced sensor capabilities while maintaining operational support for the existing instruments, which will still continue to underpin weather forecasting for many years to come.
