The roles of Lead Centre for Sub-Seasonal Predictsion Multi-Model Ensemble (LC-SSPMME) as well as the role of Global Producing Centre 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 is presented below. For further information see the WMO manual on the Global Data-Processing and Forecasting System.
Lead Centres for Sub-seasonal Predictions 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 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.
list of LC-SSPPMME functions
reference to the manual.
Global Producing Centre for Sub-seasonal Predictions (GPC-SSP)
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”.