WIPPS Pilot Project
The WMO Integrated Processing and Prediction System (WIPPS) pilot projects aim to advance WIPPS by developing and adopting new technologies based on the projects’ outcomes. These projects are designed through a co-production approach with WMO Members and partner organizations.
The goal is to enhance the accessibility and quality of WIPPS products for all WMO Members, thereby strengthening forecasting capabilities across timescales and disciplines. This supports impact-based forecasting, multi-hazard early warning services, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation.
The WIPPS pilot projects have been established based on the principle that they are supported through in-kind contributions from WMO Members. If you need further clarification on existing WIPPS pilot projects or wish to apply for a new WIPPS pilot project, please contact Secretariat at WIPPS@wmo.int.
List of WIPPS Pilot Projects
The following six WIPPS Pilot Projects are currently ongoing.
🌪️ Tropical Cyclone-Probablistic Forecast Products (TC-PFP)
Project period: 2020-2025
The project, initiated by the WMO’s World Weather Research Programme (WWRP), aims to integrate ensemble probabilistic guidance and uncertainty information into operational forecasts. This initiative seeks to enhance the accuracy and utility of tropical cyclone forecasts, improving community safety and preparedness. Established as a WIPPS Pilot Project, TC-PFP fosters collaboration among various meteorological centers to improve forecasts, including marine hazards. By promoting good practices and transitioning research into practical applications, the project ensures forecasts are more accurate, relevant, and actionable.
For details, see WIPPS Newsletter No.1 2024(1) 2.1
🛰️ AI for Nowcasting Pilot Project (AINPP)
Project period: 2023-2026
The project aims to assess the skill of AI-based nowcasting products through inter-comparison and investigate the feasibility of real-time dissemination and the technology transfer to developing countries.
For details, see WIPPS Newsletter No.1 2024(1) 2.2
🗺️ Multi-model Integrated Forecasting and Application (MMIFA)
Project period: 2023-2026
The project, led by the China Meteorological Administration and the Hong Kong Observatory, aims to enhance the visualization and accessibility of WIPPS data products. This four-year initiative addresses the challenges faced by the WMO RA II (Asia) due to severe meteorological disasters. The MMIFA will develop integrated multi-model products with uniform graphical presentations to improve the capacity of NMHSs, especially in Least Developing Countries, for interpreting and utilizing global NWP models and integrated forecast products. This effort supports the UN Early Warnings for All initiative, ensuring better severe weather prediction and protection of life and property.
For details, see WIPPS Newsletter No.1 2024(1) 2.3
💧 Global Riverine Flood Prediction Pilot Study
Project period: 2025-2026
The project led by INFCOM in collaboration with SERCOM aims to assess the general prospect of providing global riverine flood products from both traditional and non-traditional sources, which are based on physics and AI-based Earth System Prediction (AI-ESP) models, to WMO Members, and to gain experience with their outputs (and potential products) that can facilitate their possible future contribution to WIPPS.
For details, see the planning meeting (Feb 2025) web page and WIPPS Newsletter No.2 2025(1) 1.1
📉 ECMWF/WMO AI Weather Quest
Project period: 2025-2026
The project aims to advance AI for sub-seasonal to seasonal (S2S) forecasting, provide an open, standardized framework to evaluate AI-based S2S models and to build a global community to exchange knowledge and best practices. The outcomes of this project will promote the AI-based S2S forecasts for operational purpose.
For details, see the ECMWF AI Weather Quest website and WIPPS Newsletter No.2 2025(1) 1.2
🌍 Global to local data-driven predictions in a common framework
Project period: (TBD, planning stage)
Bris is a global AI-ESP model with high resolution over a chosen focus area. The project aims to demonstrate the applicability of Bris to other regions and to launch a common framework to support WMO Members.
WMO Initiatives relevant to WIPPS
The following are WMO initiatives related to WIPPS, though they are not classified as WIPPS Pilot Projects.
🔸 WGNE Models Intercomparison Project
Project period: Planning
The project aims to understand the relative skill of various AI, NWP and hybrid models through intercomparison using the same verification metrics. Through this project, the challenges and optimal setups to train and run AI-based models in operational settings will be shared.
🔸 UNESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee initiative on AI Applications in Tropical Cyclone forecasts Analysis and Prediction
Project period: 2025-2026
AI-ESP models have demonstrated undeniable skill and showed enormous potential for tropical cyclone (TC) track forecasting. The project will assess and review the applications of AI in tropical cyclone analysis and forecasting. It will share findings, including verification results and good practices, to explore the operational use of AI-based tropical cyclone analysis and forecasting. It also aims to verify other TC-related variables like intensity forecasts and investigate the requirements for real-time product access.