ECMWF
The ECMWF model is a global model, that is, it makes predictions for the entire globe. There are several versions with different configurations:
- High resolution forecasts up to 10 days. In this version the data is run with a vertical resolution of 137 levels and with a 9 km horizontal resolution. Data is updated four times a day at 00UTC, 06UTC, 12UTC and 18UTC.
- Ensemble forecasts up to 15 days. It has the same vertical and horizontal resolution as the high-resolution version, 137 levels vertically and 9 km horizontally. This version allows you to obtain a range of possible results for the near future, using data from 50 models that differ slightly in initial conditions.
- Extended-range forecasts, up to 46 days. It has a horizontal resolution of 36km and 137 vertical levels and produces data between the 15th and 46th forecast days, updated once a day. Like ensemble forecasts, extended-range forecasts allow us to obtain a range of possible outcomes for the near future, in this case using data from 100 models that differ slightly in initial conditions.
- Seasonal forecasts between 7 and 12 months. This version allows an overview of atmospheric evolution for a forecast period of 7 or 12 months. The data is updated once a month and is the result of 51 models that start with some differences.
The model orography for the Azores, Madeira and mainland Portugal are shown in the following figure.