The roles of Lead Centre Centres for Sub-Seasonal Predictsion Prediction Multi-Model Ensemble (LC-SSPMME) as well as the role of Global Producing Centre Centres for Sub-seasonal Predictions (GPC-SSP) are the latest additions to the WMO infrastructure for operational climate predictions. A brief description of LC-SSPMME and GPC-SSP roles is presented given below. For further information see the WMO manual on the Global Data-the WMO Integrated Processing and Forecasting Prediction System (WIPPS).
Lead Centres for Sub-
Seasonal Prediction Multi-
model Ensemble (LC-SSPMME)LC-SSPMME is also a recent addition. WMO Lead Centres for seasonal and Decadal have been in place for some time. The role of the LC-LRFMME is very similar to the role of the existing WMO Lead Centres. The only difference is that it deals with sub-seasonal predictions. The LC-SSFMME coordinates Model Ensemble coordinate multi-model ensembles of sub-seasonal forecasts by maintaining an archive containing a set of selected model fields, by creating graphical products from individual and multi-model ensembles under an agreed format and by creating verification statistics. The list of LC-SSPPMME functions
reference to the manual.
functions include:
- generate subseasonal forecasts from individual model and multi-model combination
- publish the forecasts in a standard format and on a regular basis
- maintain an archive of the forecast data generated by the GPC-SSP
- maintain a repository of documentation for the system configuration of all GPC-SSP systems
- provide verification statistics based on reforecast data according to the WMO standard
To provide WMO Members with reliable multi-model ensembles in real time,the LC-SSPMME usesforecast data from several sub-seasonal prediction systems.Forecast data is provided by WMO Global Producing Centres Global Producing Centre for Sub-seasonal Predictions (GPC-SSP) and by Contributing Centres.
Global Producing Centres for Sub-seasonal Predictions GPC-SSP are required to fulfill a set of mandatory functions aiming to enhance consistency and usability of forecast information and to facilitate the exchange of data. For example, GPCs agree to:
generate subseasonal global forecast, with at least weekly frequency
make available a defined set of forecast products for a minimum set of variables including 2mt, SST and precipitation
produce verification statistics according to the WMO standard.
provide forecast and hindcast to the LC-SSPMME on a regular schedule
make available up-to-date information about their subseasonal forecast system.
These functions are similar to the ones of the Global Producing Centres for Long Range Forecast (GPC-LRF) and for Annual to Decadal Climate predictions (GPC-ADCP) (Global Data-Processing and Forecasting System). Please note that WMO has recently changed some terminology so that “sub-seasonal prediction” replaces “Sub-seasonal forecast” and “seasonal prediction” replaces “Long-range forecast/seasonal forecast”. Contributing Centres provide the forecast data to the LC-SSPMMEbut have not yet committed to function as GPC-SSP.This is a special arrangement for operational centres that potentially meet GPC-SSP criteria. This provision will be terminated in the next few years to strongly encourage the centres to apply for a formal GPC-SSP designation.