The TIGGE dataset
The TIGGE dataset consists of ensemble forecast data from ten global NWP centres, starting from October 2006, which has been made available for scientific research, via data archive portals at ECMWF and CMA. TIGGE has become a focal point for a range of research projects, including research on ensemble forecasting, predictability and the development of products to improve the prediction of severe weather.
TIGGE was established as a key component of THORPEX: a World Weather Research Programme to accelerate the improvements in the accuracy of 1-day to 2-week high-impact weather forecasts for the benefit of humanity. Although the decade-long THORPEX programme finishes at the end of 2014, TIGGE will continue for a further 5 years, when its future will be reviewed.
TIGGE data are available via data portals at both ECMWFand CMA (Chinese Meteorological Administration) after a simple registration process
The name TIGGE originally stood for “THORPEX Interactive Grand Global Ensemble”. With the completion of THORPEX, the name will become “The International Grand Global Ensemble”, but it is recommended to simply refer to “TIGGE”.
Content of TIGGE
Details of the ensemble prediction systems (or models) that contribute data to TIGGE are given in the links below. That includes information about the resolution of the model and the data, the forecast range and upgrades to each model that have been implemented during the TIGGE project.
The data comprise 6-hourly model output for a range of parameters, including surface and other single-level fields, and some multi-level fields. The definition of the parameters are shown via the link below.
Management of TIGGE
The TIGGE archive was established by the original three archive centres: ECMWF, NCAR and CMA, using global forecast data contributed by 10 data providers. An additional partner, NCDC, processes the NCEP forecast data for TIGGE. The LDM link below gives information about the data exchange used for TIGGE.
As part of the THORPEX programme, the TIGGE project is overseen by the GIFS-TIGGE working group, which includes representatives from all the TIGGE partners. From 2015, after the THORPEX programme finishes, a new WWRP (World Weather Research Programme) working group on Predictability, Dynamics and Ensemble Forecasting (PDEF) will oversee TIGGE.
A TIGGE Panel, comprising representatives from the TIGGE and TIGGE-LAM partners will manage TIGGE, and the chair of the TIGGE panel will be a member of the PDEF working group.