Dear Colleagues, Further to my email sent on 22 Sept (see below), I am pleased to inform you that ECMWF is making good progress with the forthcoming implementation of the 43r1 Cycle of the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS). The Cycle is now entering the release candidate phase. Test data is available via dissemination and will also be available via ecCharts shortly. Details of the meteorological and technical changes in this cycle, together with information about the forecast performance (including scorecard) can be found on the web page at https://confluence.ecmwf.int/display/FCST/Implementation+of+IFS+Cycle+43r1 Some of the changes may require user action. See the section under Data Access for details about hourly ENS outputs. The implementation is planned for 22 November 2016. We will contact you closer to that date to confirm the implementation. Best regards Florian Pappenberger Director of Forecasts, ECMWF
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Dear Colleagues, ECMWF is preparing for the forthcoming implementation of the 43r1 version of the integrated forecasting system (IFS). IFS Cycle 43r1 is an upgrade with many scientific contributions, including changes in data assimilation (both in the EDA and the 4DVAR), in the use of observations and in modelling. In addition, several new model output parameters are implemented, including new cloud and freezing diagnostics, a new direct-beam solar radiation diagnostic and new significant wave height parameters at different period ranges to help with the detection of low-frequency ocean wave energy. With this cycle upgrade, the medium-range ensemble and its monthly extension see a major upgrade in the dynamical ocean model (NEMO): the resolution is increased to 0.25 degrees and 75 layers. Furthermore, an interactive sea-ice model (LIM2) is implemented. The implementation is planned for 22 November 2016, subject to the progress of ongoing testing. A dedicated information web page for this change has been prepared and is available at: https://confluence.ecmwf.int/display/FCST/Implementation+of+IFS+Cycle+43r1 Details of the meteorological and technical changes in this cycle, together with information about the forecast performance (including scorecard) and access to test data both in MARS and dissemination, will be provided on the web page. Users are reminded that they can "watch" the web page to obtain notification of further updates. A date of the "next expected update" will also be maintained in the page. Best regards Prof. Florian Pappenberger Director of Forecasts, ECMWF