What is OpenIFS

OpenIFS is both an ECMWF project and a model. The OpenIFS programme project at ECMWF aims to encourage encourages research and teaching into in numerical weather prediction, from medium range to seasonal timescales.

We provide academic and research institutions with an An easy-to-use version of the ECMWF global IFS (Integrated Forecasting System) (, the OpenIFS model), the single column model (SCM) and the offline-surface model (OSM). , is available to academic and research institutions.

The OpenIFS model provides the full same forecast capability of as IFS , supporting software and documentation but without the data assimilation system. OpenIFS is a global modelSupporting 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 models 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.

Getting started

Access to OpenIFS

Depsite the name, OpenIFS is not open-source . Use of the OpenIFS models requires an OpenIFS license. The license is free and straightforward to complete. Once a license is granted, download access is provided to the source code and accompanying files and tools. Full installation instructions are provided on this website. Note that other software packages are required to be installed. More information despite the name. Its use requires a free OpenIFS license from ECMWF.

Licenses are perpetual and provided as a site license to cover staff and students at an institute on a single license. Personal licenses are not provided.

More information about requesting a license and details about the license is provided on the following links:

• Request a license : How to apply for a license.
• OpenIFS Licensing : OpenIFS licensing, distribution & contribution agreement.

Once a license is granted, access is provided to the source code and accompanying files and tools.

Getting started with OpenIFS 48r1

The following link provides details about how to install and test OpenIFS 48r1, software prerequisites, running a forecast experiment and setting up and running the Single Column Model (SCM)

• OpenIFS-48r1 User Guide

Getting started with OpenIFS 43r3

The following links provide details about install and test OpenIFS 43r3:

• Prerequisites : Software tools/libraries assumed to be available on host systems.
• OpenIFS-43r3 User Guides: How to download, install and run OpenIFS.