ACCORD – A consortium for the development of a regional weather forecasting model

The ACCORD consortium was established in 2020 as an evolution of the collaboration between the ALADIN, LACE, and HIRLAM consortia for regional numerical weather prediction systems. ACCORD aims to strengthen collaboration in research and development of a forecasting model with a focus on short-term weather forecasts for the next 1-3 days. The goal is to enable national weather institutes to deliver improved forecasts to the public and gain a deeper understanding of processes crucial for predicting short-term weather phenomena. This will help protect lives and property during extreme weather events and support overall well-being.

The first phase of the collaboration runs from 2021 to 2025 and is led by a strong international steering group of nominated researchers. Scientists from SMHI hold significant positions within ACCORD’s leadership, specifically as leaders in the areas of Atmospheric Physics and Land Processes. SMHI also leads efforts in data assimilation and the use of observations within HIRLAM.

ACCORD works closely with the European satellite organisation EUMETSAT, the European meteorological observation network EUMETNET, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

The 26 countries in the consortium are Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Roumania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, and Turkey.