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.

Getting started

OpenIFS is not open-source despite the name. It's use requires an OpenIFS license from ECMWF.

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

Once a license is granted, 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 is provided on the following links:

• Request a license : How to apply for a license.
• OpenIFS Licensing : OpenIFS licensing, distribution & contribution agreement.
• Prerequisites : Software tools/libraries assumed to be available on host systems.
• OpenIFS User Guides: How to download, install and run OpenIFS.