External data channels
Improving the accessibility of Met Office data through increased availability via external data channels.
In today’s data-driven landscape, the demand for weather and climate information is ever-growing. Organisations, researchers, and developers rely on accurate and timely data to make informed decisions, build applications, and drive innovation. The Met Office, as a leading authority in weather and climate science, recognise this need and are adapting to meet the evolving requirements of our users.
We recognise that users are seeking increasing flexibility, scalability, and interoperability when it comes to accessing weather and climate data. Whether it’s for research, commercial applications, or public services, seamless access across a variety of platforms is important. This also includes collaboration with Open Data Initiatives (ODIs) and Cloud Providers, or Data Marketplaces.
The Amazon Sustainability Data Initiative (ASDI)
The Amazon Sustainability Data Initiative (ASDI), launched by Amazon in 2019, aims to accelerate sustainability research and innovation. ASDI is a collaboration between the AWS Open Data program and Amazon’s Sustainability Team. Together, they identify foundational sustainability data and work closely with data providers (such as NOAA and NASA) to ensure that the data is available in the AWS Cloud. This approach allows data providers to maintain control over how their data is shared while making it more accessible to researchers worldwide. Additionally, ASDI hosts petabytes of sustainability data on AWS, which is available to anyone at no cost, fostering collaboration and problem-solving in the field of sustainability.
Met Office data available on ASDI
The following two Met Office data sets have now been published as a public BETA on the Amazon Sustainability Data Initiative:
Met Office UK deterministic (UKV) 2km on a 2-year rolling archive with a 4-hour time delay
Met Office Global deterministic 10km on a 2-year rolling archive with a 4-hour time delay
Please note the Met Office service desk is only available Mon – Fri, 09:00 until 17:00 UTC (-1 hour during BST). As a non-operational service we aim to respond to any service support enquiries within 3-5 business days.
Data published on ASDI for the World Meteorological Organisation
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations. It is the UN's authoritative voice on weather, water and climate. On behalf of the WMO, the Met Office publishes data on ASDI for free and unrestricted use.
WIS2 Global Cache
This dataset contains global real-time Earth system data deemed as essential for provision of services for the protection of life and property and for the well-being of all nations. Data is sourced from all WMO Member countries / territories and retained for 24-hours. It is provided as part of the WMO Information System (WIS 2.0). This service will become operational from January 2025. For information on this WIS2 Global Cache dataset and how to use it, please refer to the documentation below:
Questions or issues should be directed to GISC Exeter. Please note that we aim to respond to enquiries within 3-5 business days.