What is OpenIFS
OpenIFS is both an ECMWF project and a model. The OpenIFS project at ECMWF encourages research and teaching in numerical weather prediction, from medium range to seasonal timescales.
An easy-to-use version of the ECMWF global IFS (Integrated Forecasting System), the OpenIFS model, is available to academic and research institutions.
The OpenIFS model provides the same forecast capability as IFS but without the data assimilation system. Supporting software and documentation is also provided.
OpenIFS has a support team at ECMWF for technical assistance but limited resources for detailed scientific assistance.
About OpenIFS provides more information.
The OpenIFS model and accompanying software is intended for use on computers external to ECMWF, though member state users with time on ECMWF computers can use ECMWF systems.
Download the OpenIFS model
The model source code for the OpenIFS (global forecasting model) and the OpenIFS single-column model, including documentation, can be downloaded free from this repository:
https://github.com/ecmwf-ifs/openifs
A description of the branching convention in the repository is available here.
An overview of all released OpenIFS versions is shown on this page: OpenIFS Releases
Visit the OpenIFS support page for available help and documentation.
Licensing
OpenIFS is distributed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
See the Licence for the specific language governing permissions and limitations under the Licence. For more information on the Apache licence please read the Apache License and Distribution FAQ.
In applying this licence, ECMWF does not waive the privileges and immunities granted to it by virtue of its status as an intergovernmental organisation nor does it submit to any jurisdiction.
Access to data and computing facilities
Data for OpenIFS
- The OpenIFS static input data (ifsdata / climate versions) for all supported model grid resolutions can be downloaded from the OpenIFS data repository.
- All model users can download our forecast experiment test cases for OpenIFS. For more details see the Educational Resources page.
- Initial experiment data for OpenIFS models is provided to registered users by the OpenIFS Data Hub.
- Alternatively, all users can create their own experiment data using the freely available ECMWF reanalyses on the Copernicus Climate Data Store.
If you are interested in specific ECMWF data products or need more general information about ECMWF data please follow this link or contact ECMWF Support.
ECMWF Computing facilities
Member State users may apply for access to ECMWF computing facilities through their National Meteorological Service. Please follow this link or contact ECMWF Support. Access to ECMWF computers and ECMWF archive products is governed by these terms and conditions.
