TCSP ECMWF Forecast Data for Tropical Cyclogenesis Research

Three-hour forecast and analysis data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) supports the Tropical Cloud Systems and Processes (TCSP) field campaign. The dataset covers a 27-day campaign in July 2005, originating from Costa Rica, to study the formation of hurricanes and tropical storms. Data is provided in gridded binary (GRIB) format, archived into daily files.

Use Cases

• Analyzing the interaction of temperature, humidity, and wind fields during potential storm development.
• Validating and improving numerical weather prediction models for tropical systems.
• Documenting atmospheric conditions (precipitation, air pressure) leading to cyclogenesis.
• Studying the temporal evolution of forecast parameters at three-hour intervals.

Strengths

• Data is sourced from the authoritative European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).
• Provides a focused temporal snapshot from a dedicated 27-day field campaign (July 1-27, 2005).
• Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA EarthData signals recognized importance for earth science.

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are not provided by any source.
• Conflicting last update dates: Data.gov lists 2026-03-12, while NASA EarthData lists 2005-07 29.
• Primary data format (GRIB) requires specialized software and knowledge for analysis.

Provenance

Source

European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)

Collection Method

Three-hour forecast/analysis model outputs supplied for the TCSP field campaign.

Time Range

July 1 through July 27, 2005

Freshness

2026-03 12 21:09:06.505429

Geography

Campaign based out of Juan Santamaria Airfield, San Jose, Costa Rica; data likely covers relevant tropical regions.