Last updated: 18/11/2022

What is OpenIFS?
OpenIFS is the portable research community version of the ECMWF operational weather forecast model IFS. It has the same forecast capability as IFS but excludes the ocean model to simplify configuration.

Where can I find more details about OpeniFS/IFS?
More details can be found at these links: https://confluence.ecmwf.int/display/OIFS/OpenIFS+Home and https://www.ecmwf.int/en/forecasts/documentation-and-support.

Is OpenIFS related to the Hadley Centre models?
No, they are entirely separate codes using different algorithms to produce weather forecasts. OpenIFS is generally considered a faster model as it's capable of using longer timesteps than the Hadley Centre models.

Is OpenIFS a 32bit application? Do I need to install 32bit libraries?
OpenIFS is a 64bit application, there is no need to install 32bit libraries.

Do I need to install any libraries to run OpenIFS?
The current version of OpenIFS does not require any system libraries on volunteer computers. It is a fully statically linked application.

What resources do I need to run OpenIFS?
Currently the model runs only on linux/unix based computers. The model requires more memory than the Hadley Centre models. The model resolutions currently in use typically require about 8Gb of RAM to run.

Have moved the discussion that was in this thread to the "OpenIFS Discussion" thread . Please discuss the OpenIFS in that thread and not the this FAQ.

Last updated: 26/11/2022

What is OpenIFS? Where can I find more details about OpenIFS/IFS?
OpenIFS is the portable research community version of the ECMWF operational weather forecast model IFS. It has the same forecast capability as IFS but excludes the ocean model to simplify configuration.
More details can be found at these links: https://confluence.ecmwf.int/display/OIFS/OpenIFS+Home and https://www.ecmwf.int/en/forecasts/documentation-and-support.

Is OpenIFS related to the Hadley Centre models? Is OpenIFS a global or limited-area model?
No, they are entirely separate codes using different algorithms to produce weather forecasts. OpenIFS is generally considered a faster model as it's capable of using longer timesteps than the Hadley Centre models.
OpenIFS is a global forecast model, it is not capable of limited area forecasts.

Is OpenIFS a 32bit application? Do I need to install 32bit libraries? Do I need to install any libraries to run OpenIFS?
OpenIFS is a 64bit application, there is no need to install 32bit libraries.
The current version of OpenIFS does not require any system libraries on volunteer computers. It is a statically linked application.

What resources do I need to run OpenIFS?
Currently the model runs only on linux/unix based computers. The model requires more memory than the Hadley Centre models. The model resolutions currently in use typically require about 8Gb of RAM to run, so a minimum of 12Gb RAM on your PC is recommended.

Is there a Windows/macOS version of OpenIFS?
Not at the moment. We are looking at producing a VirtualBox application. In the meantime, it's possible to run OpenIFS in a linux Virtualbox or WSL on Windows.

What are the current OpenIFS app names for my boinc app_config file?
The current application names are: oifs_43r3 (default app), oifs_43r3_bl (Baroclinic Lifecycle variant), oifs_43r3_ps (Perturbed Surface variant). For more information about CPDN applications see here: https://www.cpdn.org/apps.php.

What type of output does the model produce?
OpenIFS outputs WMO standard GRIB format files. GRIB is a compressed lossy format ideal for transmission over the internet. More information about the model output can be found here: https://confluence.ecmwf.int/display/OIFS/How+to+control+OpenIFS+output