ECMWF Integrated Forecasting System - Deterministic Wave Forecast (IFS Wave)

Description

The ECMWF IFS Wave Model provides deterministic forecasts of global ocean wave conditions at high spatial and temporal resolution. Driven by the atmospheric IFS, the wave model predicts significant wave height, mean wave period, mean direction, and other key wave parameters essential for marine operations, shipping, offshore industries, and ocean research.

This open-data subset offers 0.25° global GRIB2 output, updated two times daily. Forecasts extend up to 15 days, with key surface and spectral wave fields for assessing ocean state, hazards, and planning safe navigation or marine activities.

Detail

• Product page: https://www.ecmwf.int/en/forecasts/datasets/open-data
• Key Features:
  • Deterministic 0.25° global wave forecast, GRIB2 with CCSDS compression.
  • 00 & 12 UTC cycles: steps 0-144 h every 3 h, 150-240 h every 6 h.
  • Released ~1 hour after real-time dissemination schedule.
  • Includes key wave parameters: significant wave height, mean and peak period, mean wave direction, and more.
• Resolution: 0.25° (~28 km) global grid.
• Temporal Coverage: Two runs per day (00/12 UTC); forecasts up to 15 days.
• Primary Use Cases: Marine forecasting, shipping & navigation, offshore operations, ocean hazard assessment, and research.

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