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.

ECMWF orography