New Web Portal Eases Access of Forecast Products

WMO has launched a new web portal to make key meteorological analyses and forecast products more readily accessible.

The recent WMO Extraordinary Congress adopted the WMO Unified Policy for the International Exchange of Earth System Data.  One of the important outcomes of this decision will be broader and easier access to high-quality analysis and prediction products for Members.

Meanwhile, the use of more and better assimilated observational data, especially those from the Global Basic Observation Network (GBON), will enable designated Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS) Centres to produce higher quality and more accurate analysis and prediction products, which will then be made available to all Members. 

Web Portal for Designated GDPFS Centres

To improve the availability and accessibility of information and products of designated GDPFS Centres, a Web Portal has been developed and is now accessible here. The Web Portal is a one-stop page for the Centres and integrates essential information, including their focal points and links to websites. 

The Web Portal is designed to achieve core functions on data discoverability and accessibility. The list of mandatory GDPFS products for each designated Centre is shown interactively, with direct links to the corresponding metadata records on the WMO Information System (WIS). It creates a seamless linkage between GDPFS and WIS, allowing all Members to quickly and easily discover information of GDPFS products on the WIS. 

The Web Portal also integrates direct links to inventories or open data servers of the Centres, if available, which provide Members with one more option to get GDPFS data. The various options offered by the Web Portal will greatly enhance data discoverability and accessibility of GDPFS products. 

With the GDPFS evolving into its next generation, seamless data access is one of the key priority areas. WMO will continue to improve data discoverability and accessibility in order to strengthen the world’s weather, climate, water and related environmental services, ensuring that no Members are left behind.