Annual Report 2011 Fr O Mete

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1 Contents

Editorial ...... 4 The major events of the year ...... 6 Climate report 2011 ...... 10 Météo-France, a scientific and technical organisation ...... 13

1. Weather safety ...... 20 From weather monitoring to crisis management ...... 20 Flood hazard and water resource management ...... 24 Metereology for Defence missions ...... 25

2. Services to air navigation ...... 26 Météo-France as the service provider over French airspace ...... 26 Airfield services ...... 29 Rationalisation of the "en-route" service ...... 30

3. Commercial Services ...... 32 Commercial revenue for 2011 ...... 32 24x7 weather related services that meet the needs of all...... 33 Customised services for professionals and businesses ...... 34 Developments and subsidiaries ...... 35

4. Teaching meteorology, training personnel, disseminating meteorological information ...... 36 Contributing to the teaching of meteorology...... 36 Training personnel……………………………………………………………...... 38 Communicating knowledge and information ……………………...... 38

5. Forecasting …………………………………………………………...... …………………….. 40 Toward a new organisation of forecasting services ...... 41 Operational numerical weather prediction ...... 42 Nowcasting ...... 44 Seasonal forecasting ...... 45

2 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

6. Understanding past and future climate ...... 46 The memory of our climate ...... 47 Future climate scenarios and work done for the IPCC ...... 49

7. The research mission ...... 52 The development of numerical weather prediction systems...... 53 Experimental resources and improvement of measuring techniques ...... 55 International field campaigns to improve forecasting ...... 56

8. Observation and infrastructure ...... 58 Surface and upper-air observation ...... 59 Weather radar networks ...... 61 The development of basic infrastructures ...... 62

9. The international dimension ...... 64 The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) ...... 64 Cooperation with European organisations ...... 65 Other multi-lateral and bi-lateral cooperation ...... 67

10. The organisation’s resources ...... 68 Administrative and financial management serving the organisation’s projects ...... 68 Human resources...... 71 An organisation that cares about the quality of its services and its environmental footprint ...... 72

appendixes …………………………………………………………………………………...... 74 Scientific Advisory committee on the 31st of December 2011 ………………………………………………..... 74 Board of Trustees on the 31st of December 2011 …………………………………………………………...... 75 Glossary of acronyms and abbreviations ………………………………………...... … 76

3 1

Editorial

he year 2011 was fortunately less eventful than the two preceding years in terms of meteorological crises. That said, dramatic events, such as the accident at Fukushima, remind T us, if we really need to be, of the critical role meteorology plays in managing crises. Météo- France has played its part, supporting those responsible for nuclear safety in France. The storm Joachim, although smaller than those of previous years, also underlined just how indispensable our vigilance system is.

2011 has been both a year for consolidation and a year for preparing the future. A year of consolidation because the developments initiated in 2009 have borne fruit. The new vigilance component, dedicated to the wave submersion hazard, was implemented in October 2011, as planned. This new service strengthens our early-warning capacities in the face of events such as the storm Xynthia. At the same time, a new heavy rainfall warning system for the benefit of local councils is the result of lessons learned after the events in the Var department in 2010, further enriching our range of tools designed to protect people and property.

2011 was also the last year of the three year goals and performance contract between the government and Météo-France for 2009-2011 and a report on this has been drafted. The latter emphasises that the goals have been reached, and within the timescales that were laid down. Here, I take the opportunity to draw attention to the commitment of the staff at Météo-France, working in the public interest, and to thank them for all of the results obtained over these three years, while the unexpected, which is of course the rule in weather and climate matters, conti- nually presented itself and required still more effort from us all (volcanic ash, Xynthia, etc.).

One of the main objectives of the contract was to bring about a profound transformation at Météo-France, one that would prepare us for the challenges to come. And in this also, the efforts made have brought their reward. The new organisation of Météo-France has begun to be implemented. The aviation weather surveillance function (MWO) was centralised at Toulouse in September 2011. This means that we now have a meteorological assistance at a single location and will be able to work more easily with our European colleagues.

4 Meteo France - annual report 2011

The contraction of Météo-France’s territorial network is also in progress, with the progressive reduction of the number of local centres. Two sites were closed in 2011 and the others will be wound down between 2012 and 2016. A support process that is very attentive to the needs of personnel has been set up so that this major change can take place in an exemplary manner. The first steps toward the reorganisation of forecasting and the related tools were also taken at the end of 2011. Setting aside the inevitable glitches that may accompany a change on this scale, the commitment of the staff working on this change, which shall give Météo-France still greater robustness to conduct its activities, is to be noted.

2011 was also the year when the foundations of our future activity were laid. After some intense internal reflections and discussions with our supervising authorities, a new goals and performance contract between Météo-France and the government has been prepared for the period 2012-2016, setting the framework for improving the services we provide. It confirms the priori- ties given to safety, but also in particular stresses the importance of research and climate. This contract outlines an ambitious endeavour for Météo-France, aimed at placing itself, in the future as in the past, at the forefront of meteorological and climate service provision.

Despite a difficult context that requires rigorous budgeting, the achievements of the last three years give us confidence that Météo-France has the capacity to meet the challenges and thus commit itself to serving all users, mobilising its staff and technical resources, combining high level research, operational control and expertise.

François Jacq President, Chief Executive Officer

5 > The major events of the year

The major events of the year New measures for the safety of people and property

uring the course of 2011, tenth year of its vigilance system, Météo-France has, in D cooperation with its partners, enriched its early warning system, in association with the “national flash flood plan”. Thus, two new pictograms, “wave submersion” and “flooding”, appeared on In addition to this surveillance measure, and the vigilance map in October 2011. Moreover, an following the catastrophic floods that struck the infra-departmental warning system intended for Var department in June 2010, Météo-France has areas at high risk of flash floods was set-up opera- developed a heavy rainfall warning system at local tionally in December 2011. council authority level (APIC). This system, based not on forecasts but on observations, consists in The “wave submersion” warning system is aimed the rapid transmission of a warning when current at better anticipating rises in sea levels that may precipitation accumulations, detected by weather affect the mainland coastline. It is to be the subject radar, are exceptional in character. It will be avai- of further technical improvements in the years to lable to all mainland local authorities as soon as come, but as from now on, it is already reinforcing the radar measurements are of a sufficient quality the protection of populations, by mobilising the for the correct estimate of accumulated precipita- entire surveillance and warning chain for this type tion. It will gradually be extended as new weather of risk and disseminating the appropriate safety radars are installed in areas that are today not yet instructions. covered.

Presentation of the “wave submersion” pictogram by the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing (MEDDTL), Madame Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet. From left to right, flanking the Minister: TV weather presenters Louis Bodin, Philippe Verdier, Alex Goude, Joël Collado, Laurent Romejko and Christophe Person. rance, P. Taburet rance, P. F © Météo-

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A new goals and performance contract between the government and Météo-France

he major preparatory work started in 2011 has resulted in a new goals and perfor- T mance contract between the government and Météo-France. Météo-France staff have been mobilised to look into the orientations for the years to come. All areas of our work have been examined in detail with the various ministries concerned, in order to detail what is expected of Météo-France and how the allocated resources can be best used.

The new contract specifies the orientations and expected results for the 2012-2016 period, in order to enrich and improve the weather and climate services provided by Météo-France to the government and to users. It emphasises Météo-France’s official duties, giving particular priority to research and to initiating the development of climate services. This contract means that Météo-France has the necessary resources to tackle the big issues of the decade to come, setting the following major orientations: • conducting an ambitious investment policy (observation and information systems) in order to improve forecasts; of its early warnings and the capacity to anti- • boosting the attention given to research and cipate phenomena will enrich the information innovation, in order to remain an international conveyed in the vigilance system and extend the reference; intense rain warning system at the local authority • developing climate services; (council) level. • emphasising safety missions (support to authorities, particularly in the area of prevention and risk • Meteorological support for flood and drought management, support to the armed forces); risk management. Météo-France will make its • being a reference in the European Single Sky; expertise available to other government agen- • maintaining the level of commercial activity, adap- cies in charge of flood risk management and the ting it to changes in demand; national flash flood plan. • successfully reforming our territorial organisation. • Meteorological support for health and technology risk management. Météo-France Meteorological support for will improve its numerical simulation models for weather-hazard management the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere or • The meteorological safety of people and on the sea surface, to better engage in air quality property. Météo-France will rely on the progress monitoring and in the management of accidental in forecasting to further improve the relevence pollution and related health hazard.

7 > The major events of the year

The major events of the year

Aviation services Climate services Air navigation uses meteorological services to Météo-France is contributing to developing simula- meet its flight safety, capacity and flight timeliness tion tools; the great challenge of the next few years requirements and to limit environmental effects. lies in climate services that will need to be develo- Météo-France will be paying particular attention to ped on an international scale. Thus, Météo-France maintaining its European Single Sky certification, will create new climate references, produce new to integrating meteorological innovation to improve diagnoses and new climate projections, at both safety and traffic regularity and to enriching the regional and global scales, and contribute to speci- decision-making tools used on key airports. fying the impacts of these for adaptation policies.

Research objectives The development of critical Research contributes to a better understanding infrastructures of atmospheric physics. It is also directed toward The availability of powerful computational resour- the understanding, representation and forecasting ces is a pre-requisite for the development of nu- of climate related phenomena. Météo-France will merical weather prediction and climate modelling. be placing a priority on ensuring that its research Thus, Météo-France will acquire high-performance is conducted at the highest international level, computational resources that are appropriate for while consolidating its involvement with French the expected advances in numerical prediction and universities, on preparing for the future of nume- its overall missions. rical weather prediction and on conducting its upstream studies and the experimental program- Territorial organisation mes necessary for the overall improvement of its In 2008, decisions were made to overhaul the ter- numerical models. Moreover, Météo-France will be ritorial network and carry out the related changes attempting to reduce the uncertainties of possible to Météo-France’s organization. Météo-France climate scenarios and promote the development will complete this change, which will consist in of an integrated system on both meteorology and organising “guidance forecasting” at two levels (as climate. opposed to the previous three) and reducing the number of sites on the national territory, between Meteorological and climate observation now and 2016. This change takes advantage of Météo-France will be developing a new architec- technological progress and is aimed at responding ture for surface observation over mainland France more effectively to the expectations of the various and its overseas territories, implementing a plan stakeholders, while maintaining the quality of its to renew the current hydro-meteorological radar service, which also means that resources can be network, reinforcing the coverage of our national freed up to strengthen our commitment to the territory, developing better snow detection in non- scientific and technical issues of the future. mountainous areas and conducting the modernisation of our basic climate and snow depth measurement networks.

Weather forecasting Forecasting is the core activity at Météo-France. We must continue to improve the pertinence and quality of numerical weather prediction, progressing toward models with increasingly finer resolution and towards an increased use of probabilistic forecasting. In parallel, more frequent model runs will be sought. All of this is geared to improve the effectiveness of our activities toward protecting people and property but also to consolidate our end-user production capabilities.

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Climate in a global context

limate forecasting and the way it is The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather evolving mean that the results from Forecasts (ECMWF) has produced a new superior different models must be compared quality reanalysis set now covering the 1979-2011 C and the expertise available at a global period. These reanalyses make it possible to level must be shared. Météo-France is contributing reconstitute meteorological parameters for the its know-how, as are other meteorological services, entire globe at any given date, based on available to reconstitute the past behaviour of our climate observed data and using numerical simulation. In and to define climate scenarios for the future. It particular, they measure the extent of the climate is also participating in international cooperative change over the past decades thus allowing for networks. Several advances were made on this adjustments in the climate change signal into future front in 2011. climate simulations.

Météo-France has helped in the preparation of The 2011 World Meteorological Congress decided the fifth IPCC (AR5) report, the publication of the that the development of a global framework for first part of which, devoted to the scientific basis climate services (GFCS) would be a priority for the of climate change, is expected in 2013. Several world meteorological organisation (WMO). The simulations have been conducted, using a new objective is to facilitate the access of users to data ocean-atmosphere climate model, at a horizontal that is appropriate to their needs, within a context resolution of around 150km. Various scenarios of climate change adaptation. have also been refined forF rance, in order to assess the possible consequences of climate change, particularly in mountainous regions.

Summer 2006: in the Arctic Ocean, the Aleksei Marishev, vessel belonging to the Russian Hydrographical Institute, during a mission within the context of a climate research experiment. rance, P. Taverniers rance, P. F © Météo-

9 > Climate report 2011

Climate report 2011

A number of major meteorological events in metropolitan France have marked the year 2011: a spring that was exceptionally hot and dry, a particularly chilly and rainy July, a significant increase in temperatures at the beginning of the autumn, strong rains leading to serious flooding in the South-East and a major winter storm, Joachim, in mid-December.

A particularly hot and dry year for France

Variation of the average annual temperature in France since 1900, compared with the average for 1971-2000. fter 2010, a particularly cool year, 2011 turned out to be the hottest year in France A for a century, with an average annual temperature 1.5°C above the normal (the reference being the average for 1971-2000), thereby sur- passing 2003, year of the previous record. Every month of the year was warmer than normal with the exception of July, which was the coolest July of the last thirty years. Spring and autumn, particularly warm, were the seasons that contributed the most to this record-breaking year. These seasons were, respectively, the first and second warmest spring and autumn since 1900.

With a spring and autumn that were both particularly dry, 2011 was one of the driest years that Difference between the 2011 annual Ratio between the 2011 total annual France has seen for fifty years. The quantity of temperatures and the average for 1971-2000. precipitation and the average for 1971-2000. water collected over the entire territory was down by around 17%. However, this general diagnosis hides some geographical disparities. While the Me- diterranean regions experienced several episodes of heavy rain, contributing a volume of water close to the normal, deficits reached 40% in the South- West.

During this period, the number of lightning strikes recorded by Météorage was quite limited. Around 430,000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes were recorded over the territory, a drop of approximately 14% compared to the average for the last twenty With exceptional spring conditions and a very years. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region had sunny autumn, the accumulated sunshine for the the largest number of lightning strikes, ahead of the year was appreciably higher than the average for Rhône-Alpes and Languedoc-Roussillon regions. the whole of France.

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A year of contrasts for the overseas territories

nder the quite strong influence of La Niña both the “dry” and the rainy season. Cyclonic action the south-west Pacific basin, the cy- vity in the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea basins was U clone season was particularly active in New higher than normal. 19 cyclonic phenomena were Caledonia. Five cyclones or tropical lows passed recorded this year (whereas the normal would be through the area of alert responsibility. A corollary between 11 and 14). Six reached hurricane force. of this La Niña episode was an exceptionally dry rainy season in French Polynesia.

The south-west of the Indian Ocean experienced very little cyclonic activity, the year being the quie- test for 40 years.

On the other hand, the West Indies experienced heavy rains accompanied by storms recorded in

The major meteorological events of 2011 Diagram of temperature vs. precipitation measured during springs since 1959, in France.

An exceptionally hot and dry spring Under the persistent influence of anticyclonic conditions, mainland France had an exceptionally hot and dry spring season in 2011. The water collected over the period was of less than half of the normal quantity. That season was therefore the driest spring in fifty years, drier than 1976 and 1997. There were however some regional variations: the deficits were generally greater in the north and west of the country, while Languedoc and East Corsica had more rain than normal. With an average temperature 2.5°C higher than normal, spring was also the hottest since the start of the 20th century, hotter than that of 2007 (+2.1°C) and 2003 (+1.8°C). In a number of places the lack of rain, associated with the higher temperatures, lead 2001, 1987 and 1977. With an average tempera- to a premature drying of the surface soils. ture lower than the normal by 1.3°C, it was also one of the coolest: the last July that was appre- A generally cold and wet July ciably colder was in 1981. After the first ten days, which were quite dry, the month of July 2011 was characterised by uns- High temperatures at the end table weather over almost the whole country. The of September and start of October quantity of water collected was slightly more than From the 25th of September to the 4th of October one and a half times the average. Few regions had 2011, the temperatures in France were very high. less rain than normal. Thus, this month was the They were exceptional, comfortably exceeding fifth wettest July of the last fifty years, behind 2000, the normal level (more than 10°C in the North and

11 > Climate report 2011

Climate report 2011 Maximum daily temperatures as recorded on the 2nd of October 2011 in France.

West and almost 9°C in the South-West and Cen- tre). They reached 33°C in the South-West, 32°C in Languedoc-Roussillon and were sometimes in excess of 30°C in western and central regions. The previous records for October were beaten in many localities in the west and south of the country. The last time such a situation occurred was in 1985.

An exceptional period of heavy rainfall in the Mediterranean regions Heavy precipitations had a durable impact in the South-East at the start of November, which lead to very high waters and flooding of an exceptional volume. Violent winds blew with gusts of up to 150km/h on the coast of the Mediterranean. Waves higher than 4 metres were recorded along the coasts of the Var department , the Côte d’Azur and Corsica. This episode was particularly remarkable for its duration and geographical extent. Total precipitation as recorded from the 1st to the 9th of November 2011 On the hills of the departments of the Lozère, the Ardèche and the Gard, rainfall totals were most often between 500 and 700mm, reaching 800mm in some places (the equivalent of 6 months of rain). Such quantities, collected in only 9 days, set new monthly records for November at numerous stations with records going back more than 50 years.

December and the storm Joachim After a long period of favourable meteorological conditions France was confronted at the end of November with strong westerly winds. The first big winter storms affected the north of Europe. Strong gusting winds associated with the storm named Joachim swept across a little more than a quarter of the French territory. The strongest were recorded over the hills of the Massif Central (212 km/h at the top of the Puy-de-Dôme; 139 km/h at Clermont- Ferrand) and the Vosges (168 km/h at the Ballon de Servance peak), as well as the Atlantic coast (156 km/h at the Pointe de Chemoulin, 141 km/h on the Île de Ré).

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MEtEo France, a scientific and technical organisation

Since the start of the 17th century, the science of meteorology has built its knowledge of atmospheric phenomena on the basis of a multi-disciplinary approach, associating mathematics, physics and chemistry... It is from these beginnings that Mé- téo-France has gone on to develop its scientific, technical and operational skills.

he domain in which Météo-France is Grid of the active stretches from our knowledge of ARPÈGE model, the climate of past centuries to weather operational in T April 2011. forecasting and the evolution of the Earth’s climate. Describing the behaviour of the atmosphere and the climate system requires complex science, the uncertainties of which are inherent to a still incom- plete understanding of the mechanisms at work. These are difficulties that Météo-France researchers are trying to overcome.

The strength of Météo-France is its ability to cover all fields, from operational through to research, and at all scales of space and time. The cross-fertilisation that takes place between engineers and researchers is of great advantage to us.

Gaining one day every 10 years: today, our 3 day forecasts are of a quality equivalent to the 2 day forecasts that we were able to produce in the year 2000.

„ Taburet rance, P. In charge of weather and climate monitoring, F Forecaster Météo-France is a scientific and technical orga- at his work-

nisation that takes up issues involving science, © Météo- station. innovation and an operational capability for the benefit of the community. Close to its users and always ready to respond in the best way to all The main mission of Météo-France is to warn questions that are raised, Météo-France works with the population and the authorities of hazardous all those who have an interest in accurate weather weather phenomena: storms, fog, avalanches, forecasts, in measuring climate change impact, cyclones, heavy rain, snow fall, lightning, etc., and assists decision-makers of weather-sensitive events whose consequences can be mitigated enterprises, provides aviation services, issues if they are anticipated sufficiently. This critical warnings on forest fires, monitors oil-slicks and responsibility requires constant monitoring, 24 pollution at sea, measures air quality and assesses hours a day, 365 days a year, of the atmosphere, flooding hazards. the ocean surface and the snow cover.

13 > Meteo france, a scientific and technical organisation

MEtEo France, a scientific and technical organisation

Map issued on the 16th of December 2011 at 6:00AM, following a “submersion wave” alert on the Atlantic coast and South Corsica; "flooding" in Pas-de-Ca- lais; "violent local winds" from the South-West to the North-East

mented by avalanche warnings for the mountains, The vigilance early-warning map can special marine bulletins and the cyclone warning be viewed on the Météo-France Internet system based on Réunion Island. site, which gets more than a million However, this remit goes well beyond “simple” visits every day. The latest generation weather forecasting. It increasingly takes into model, AROME, with a 2.5km fine account the consequences of meteorological phe- mesh, provides short-range forecasts of nomena. Thus, Météo-France provides its exper- hazardous weather phenomena. tise to the decision-making process of government authorities, as well as to its partners in France and „ around the world. For example, Météo-France is called upon in:

Information from around the world is collected at • flooding situations, providing support to relevant the National Weather Forecasting Centre in Tou- departements at the Sustainable Development louse. Then it is analysed, modelled and assessed Ministry ; to prepare, in collaboration with the local Météo- • managing pollution at sea, using MOTHY, a France sites, weather forecasts and other more de- pollutant drift model, for the of maritime affairs tailed products and services that meet the specific administration; needs of individuals and professionals. • heat-wave response planning and issuing ultraviolet radiation (UV) indexes, supporting the The “vigilance map” warns the population and re- national Health Monitoring Institute (InVS) of the commends protective action against the expected Ministry of Health; severe weather for the next 24 hours. This service, • providing the armed forces with operational ser- closely associated with the government agency in vices and products, on national soil and also on charge of civil safety and major hazards, is supple- operational theatres overseas.

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Ensuring the safety and regularity of air traffic

In the framework of the European Single Sky, Air France Météo-France contributes to the safety and regula- operations at rity of air traffic. The stakes are three-fold: improve Roissy-Charles- de-Gaulle airport. flight safety (15% of aviation accidents are related to poor weather conditions), preserve the environment (2020 target is to reduce the environmental impact of every flight by 10%) and generate savings (delays in Europe cost the airlines an average rance, C. Delage of two million Euros per year). F

Météo-France has designed and created an In- © Météo- ternet site that is unique in Europe for the Rois- International airports are given particular atten- sy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport, CDM@CDG, which tion. They are equipped with automatic weather collects and publishes in real-time the weather stations, ceilometers to measure the height of the information necessary for rapid collaborative deci- cloud base, scatterometers for visibility, sensors sion-making (CDM) between all the protagonsists that assess the state of the soil: dry, damp, frozen of the airport: ADP, airlines, etc. or snow-covered.

The weather knows no borders: a global monitoring network

The weather in America or over the Pacific may services, under the aegis of the World Meteorolo- be important for the weather in France in five or six gical Organisation (WMO). Météo-France, as Fran- days. To issue forecasts it is therefore necessary to ce’s official representative, is an active participant access data from around the world, this informa- in the programmes and activities of this organisation being exchanged between all of meteorological tion. Its responsibilities include, in particular, world weather watch, cyclone warnings, standardising observations and monitoring the displacement of atmospheric pollution.

Météo-France is also a member of EUMETNET, the European meteorological services network, and cooperates closely with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), based in England, and EUMETSAT, which manages the European satellite weather observation programmes. rance, M. Gillet F

Drought in Uganda. © Météo-

15 > Meteo france, a scientific and technical organisation

MEtEo France, a scientific and technical organisation Conducting research to better observe, understand and predict the behaviour of the atmosphere

The research activity at Météo-France provides Forecasts (ECMWF) and the ALADIN and HIRLAM a strong base for all of the work of the organisa- consortia working on numerical weather prediction. It is the source of innovations that are then tion for European countries, the EUFAR network implemented in observation systems and numerical (European Facility for Airborne Research) for envi- weather prediction. It also contributes to a better ronmental research aircraft and with the partners understanding of atmospheric physics. of the MACC project (Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate) for European air quality. This activity is part of a strong national and international cooperation network, particularly with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather

Conducting research on climate and climate change

“Past weather research” for the studies of climate Getting to know future climate. Research on change and long series of readings of past climates climate change and its effects is at the heart of our are compiled and digitised, both for the mainland strategy. Météo-France staff analyse and model and for overseas territories. The recording of this the anticipated climate changes and are thus able data is one of the basic missions in Météo-France’s to provide supporting input for climate change remit. Storage and retrieval resources have been mitigation and adaptation policies. The research set up in order for this information to be availa- conducted at Météo-France is recognised by both ble as quickly as possible. These resources will, the national and international community. for example, make real-time characterisations of climate events possible, comparing them with past events.

Instrument preparation for the BLLAST measurement campaign, in June-July 2011.

The National Centre for Meteorological Research at Météo-France gathers 300 researchers, engineers rance, P. Taburet rance, P. F and post-graduate students.

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Teaching and training in the meteorological sciences

Météo-France takes part in the teaching of Regional youth meteorology and in raising awareness on sus- weather events tainable development. Many activities are run in organised on the 26th of May cooperation with the Ministry of Education and 2011, at the non-profit organizations. TheN ational School Météopole, in Toulouse.

of Meteorology (ENM) trains all of the technical Pichard rance, P. F personnel at Météo-France as well as military personnel specialising in meteorology. It has been

a member of the National Polytechnic Institute of © Météo- Toulouse (INPT) since 2009.

Meteorology contributes to economic development

The foremost player in the national market for services offered by Météo-France are of interest meteorology, Météo-France offers products and to all professionals for whom appropriate weather services to professionals and to the general public information constitutes an essential tool for its deci- in several different ways: Internet, phone-in (mobile sion-making: local authorities, craftsmen, farmers, and landlines), dedicated sites and, of course, by transport operators, the construction and public means of television, radio and newspapers. The works industry and energy sector companies.

Météo-France has created subsidiaries to cater to specific needs

There are currently five: meteorological-economic indexes that are relevant • Météo France International, in partnership with to their activities. the Egis group, enjoys an enviable position in terms of engineering for the building-up or renovation of meteorological services throughout the world; • Météorage, in partnership with the Finnish 25 to 30% of the GDP is directly company Vaisala, supplies products and services influenced by weather conditions. in managing the risk of lightning strikes and in thunderstorm monitoring; „ • Predict-services, in partnership with the BRL and Infoterra companies, provides support for drafting rescue plans for localities that are prone to flooding; It has been estimated that quality • Météo-France Régie, 100% subsidiary of Mé- weather forecasting generates 10 billion téo-France, is in charge of managing advertising on Euros per year of savings to the French the Météo-France Internet site; economy. • Metnext, in partnership with the Deposit and Consignment Office, provides companies with „

17 > Meteo france, a scientific and technical organisation

MEtEo France, a scientific and technical organisation Météo-France: an eco-responsible company

Sustainable development is a major concern for • formalising an “eco-responsible” policy for pur- Météo-France, which means contributing to the chasing, with preference given to products that “exemplary state” approach. Included in its actions are the least harmful in terms of greenhouse gas are: emissions; • setting up videoconference and distance learning • the construction of new low-carbon emission systems, in order to limit travel; buildings. • establishing a carbon footprint for the main facilities;

The organisation of Météo-France

To perform its duties, Météo-France is organised • the National School of Meteorology, a higher around central divisions which together oversee the education institute integrated within Météo-France main missions and thematic activities of the orga- and responsible for initial and continuous training nisation together with a territorial network able to of technical personnel. transpose these duties and activities at a local level. The central divisions include: Météo-France’s network of territorial sites spread • a technical division in charge of observation and over the entire country is organised under 11 regio- information systems. This is the first link in the nal divisions: 7 for mainland France (North, South, chain of activity of the organisation. It collects South-West, South-East, Centre-East, North East, information about “what the weather is like today” Île-de-France-Centre) and 4 for overseas territories that is the primary input data for any weather (West Indies-Guiana, Réunion Island, New Cale- or climate work. The collection of data and its donia, French Polynesia). These divisions carry out transfer, distribution and use are all activities that the missions of Météo-France, under the functio- require robust and high performance information nal oversight of central divisions. They combine systems. This entity has particular responsibility forecasting, support to local government adminis- in effectively running the data centre and its high- trations, implementation of observation networks, performance computer; etc. They are coordinated at the national level by a • a production division in charge of forecasting and specific unit at headquarters. climatology. It uses the information collected and runs the operational implementation of the mo- Finally, the organisation has entities that are in dels and databases that feed the forecasting and charge of administrative, technical and financial climate analyses. This entity is also responsible management: for the correct functioning and homogeneity of all • an administration and finance department; of the Météo-France production systems (creation • a human resources department; of products from meteorological data); • an official duties department which interfaces with • a National Centre for Meteorological Research. government authorities and regulators; It coordinates the research policy and brings • a strategy department; together the research teams who provide input • a quality and internal auditing department. for the operational activities; • a Commercial Services Division responsible for running activities that fall outside the scope of its regulatory duties;

18 Meteo France - annual report 2011

Organisation of Météo-France as on the 31st of December, 2011

7 MAINLAND GENERAL MANAGEMENT REGIONS

ÎLE-DE-FRANCE-CENTRE Marie Geneviève Renaudin

NORTH Patrick David President and CEO François Jacq

NORTH-EAST Dominique Landais

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL CENTRE-EAST DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL Regional Services Officer Officer for International Michèle Champagne and Official Duties Claude Duée Olivier Gupta

SOUTH-EAST Jacques Manach

SOUTH-WEST Marc Payen

WEST Monique Ciccione

STRATEGY FINANCE & QUALITY HUMAN RESOURCES Christophe Maocec ADMINISTRATION Jean-Marc Bonnet Yve Ferry-Delétang 4 OVERSEAS Agnès Mouchard REGIONS

ANTILLES-GUIANA Patrick Van Grunderbeeck

RÉUNION ISLAND Yves Grégoris

FRENCH POLYNESIA Gérard Therry

OBSERVATION FORECASTING RESEARCH COMMERCIAL TEACHING AND TRAINING NEW-CALEDONIA AND INFORMATION AND CLIMATOLOGY Philippe Bougeault SERVICES SYSTEMS François Lalaurette Philippe Frayssinet Alain Soulan Michel Assouline Yves Gleyzes

19 1 > Weather safety

Weather safety © Philip Plisson As a national weather service provider, an essential role of A long swell breaking in the Météo-France is to ensure the safety of people and property Bay of Audierne (Finistère). against severe weather and to provide services to the armed forces.

Created 10 years ago, the vigilance map, which is an excellent multi-hazard early warning tool, has been continuously improved since. As scheduled under the national flash flood plan and constituting one of the year’s main events, Météo-France set up a “wave submersion” warning system in 2011 and provided heavy rain warnings for local communities via local councils (APIC).

From weather monitoring to crisis management

Ten years of severe weather monitoring an observed or forecast weather event) and a full- First set up on the 1st of October 2001 as the first blown alert (triggering protective measures), which link in the weather hazard prevention and manage- is the responsibility of civil security authorities, ment and disaster-reduction chain, the “vigilance” rather than of Météo-France. early-warning system was designed to forecast the occurrence of hazardous weather, to warn The wave submersion hazard was introduced in authorities in charge of safety of the population and the vigilance early-warning procedure in 2011. In to inform the public at large. There is a difference addition to this, the way in which information rela- between this type of notification (information about ting to the flooding hazard is presented has been

20 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Vigilance system indicator tables 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Public awareness rate of the vigilance map 83% 86% 86% 89% 90% (Source CREDOC 2011) Number of red or orange vigilance events 40 44 (50*) 47 (54*) 53 (58*) 33 (35*) False alarm rate across “départments” 26% 18% 17% 14% 20% Non-detection rate across “départments” 2% 2% 2% 2% 8% Lead-time ≥ 3 hours across “départments” 80% 84% 88% 87% 80% Rate of relevant special weather reports 84% 77% 83% 85% 85%

*in brackets: including events only involving flooding, handled by the central hydro- refined with the creation of a “flooding” pictogram. public awareness of the vigilance map. Levels have meteorology office for flood This allows cases where the administrative area increased year by year, and were still remarkably forecasting (SCHAPI). (Weather warning indicators (known as “départment” in French) concerned is high for 2011. relate only to strong winds, not or no longer affected by heavy rainfall, but is heavy rain, storms and snow/ still at risk with flooding. 2011 report for mainland France black ice). 2011 was different from previous years, with a The vigilance system is evaluated on an annual significantly reduced number of events, with 35 basis. For each severe weather event, the appro- occurrences and 72 orange or red weather warning priateness of the issued colour-code is assessed days. Most of these involved heavy rain and storms. with the department of civil security and crisis ma- One - the event in the Cévennes at the beginning of nagement at the Ministry of the Interior and other November - went to a red vigilance situation due to stakeholders of the system. The non-detection rate the “flooding” criterion in the “départments” of the for each “départment” was significantly higher this southern Massif Central. The only event involving year. This is mainly due to a weather event invol- strong winds was related to the storm Joachim ving drizzle and freezing rain in the Île-de-France, passing through France. There was a heat wave vigi- North, Picardy and Champagne-Ardennes regions, lance episode for the Midi-Pyrénées and the central the extent of which was under-estimated. Météo- eastern regions of France. Finally, two wave submer- France also conducts an annual survey to measure sion episodes were recorded at the end of the year.

21 1 > Weather safety

On the 14th of January 2011, at 05.00 UTC, the tropical cyclone Vania, having crossed the south of Grande Terre (New Caledonia), swirled back over the east coast.

It was an exceptional year for Guiana, with only two weather warnings, both for dangerous conditions at sea. S M C Réunion Island and Mayotte were affected by several incidences of heavy rain, but no cyclone warnings were issued.

Five vigilance warnings were issued for New

© Météo-France DP/ Caledonia: one for strong winds and four for heavy rainfall. A tropical cyclone alert was issued during 2011 report for Overseas Territories the passage of Vania. In 2011, a red vigilance warning was issued twice in the Antilles, anticipating the arrival of tropical Finally, there were no cyclone warnings in French storms – Emily on the island of Martinique and Polynesia in 2011. Put in place on the 15th of April Irene on the north islands (Saint-Martin and Saint- 2011, the vigilance system issued a red “heavy Barthélemy). An orange weather warning was swell” warning for the Société and Australes archi- issued eleven times, mostly for heavy rain. pelagos, as well as 15 orange warnings.

Questions for

Françoise Bénichou ASSISTANT FORECASTING MANAGER Severe coastal submersion caused by What was the process that led storm Xynthia in February 2010 proved to the wave submersion vigilance? that the general public was in need for Working with the French Navy Hydro- available information that can be easily graphical and Oceanographic Service understood by all : the existing vigilance (SHOM), the central and regional multi-hazard system seemed to be most departments of the Ministry of Ecology appropriate in this case. and the agencies in charge of civil security as its stakeholders, Météo-France What phenomena are we talking about initially conducted a series of in-depth here? studies. This involved mapping sensitive Coastal submersion and powerful waves coastal zones, a detailed analysis of © Météo-France, J.-M. Destruel that may affect the coastline are related past sea incursions, the implementation to a combination of several pheno- of numerical forecasting tools for Why do we have wave submersion mena: the strength of the tide, passing conditions at sea and sea levels. This vigilance? storms and breaking waves. When a data and these tools are made available In 2009, following a number of episodes storm passes, the sea level rises above to forecasters, who then decide on the involving very powerful waves, Météo- predicted levels characterised by three vigilance colour based on previously France and other government agencies main processes: a strong swell, a wind established criteria. Additional work is began working on including coastal that causes currents to change and underway to make further improvements risks from the sea to the vigilance early- water to build up along the coast and a to the relevance of forecasts in years to warning system. Until then, Météo- reduction in atmospheric pressure. The come. Finally, Météo-France’s marine France had been issuing «powerful wave conjunction of these phenomena and forecasting unit duties were specified, bulletins» which were not part of the the geographical configuration of the thus centralising “wave submersion” early-warning system. area can be aggravating factors. vigilance expertise.

22 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Further examples of how Météo-France Cover page of the APIC information leaflet for supports public authorities local councils. Météo-France offers public authorities support that is not restricted to producing the vigilance map and related update bulletins. It also helps local disaster reduction and management (DRM) operations and elected officials; it has also developed specific products and services for forest fire and avalanche hazards.

Web conference tools are operational between between the 15th of December and the 30th of April, regional Météo-France staff and DRM operations has been updated. It is now possible to show the centres in civil defence geographical zones (Fran- risk-level per mountain range and not just by “de- ce: COZ) thus enabling forecasters to communi- partment”: the Alps, for example, are divided into cate directly with DRM units supported by their 23 ranges. It also provides information summaries own technical environment. Similar tools are being in the form of graphs on the orientation of the most deployed at “départment” level. Météo-France dangerous slopes, expected major spontaneous has also updated its dedicated DRM websites for avalanches and those triggered by skiers. prefectures, providing rapid access to the appropriate data for better understanding the weather situation, especially items related to road weather information. Avalanche risk bulletin for An experiment was carried out to provide an early- the Belledonne range (Alps) for the 16th of December warning service to mayors in case of localized hea- 2011. vy rainfall over the local council area (APIC). Based on the observation of precipitation in real time, this service makes it possible to state how serious the current precipitation is compared to climate data. It was deemed operational in December 2011.

In 2011, Météo-France also upgraded its level of support in fighting forest fires. In particular, this involved producing a map of the Fire Weather Index (FWI) for mainland France. For the South and South West civil defence zones, this support consisted of making expert reports and producing fire hazard weather maps based on the FWI and on studies conducted in collaboration with the zone operations centre and local fire and rescue services (SDIS). At the request of the Minister of the Interior, Météo-France now provides FWI maps covering areas on the borders of mainland France. Over- seas, forest fire products and services, which were previously provided only for New Caledonia, have been extended to Réunion Island.

The avalanche risk bulletin (ARB), available

23 1 > Weather safety © Météo-France, P. Pichard © Météo-France, P. © G. Guittonneau www.infoclimat.fr

Flood hazard and water resource management

étéo-France provides flood hazard management support via products and services, particularly in the area of Mprecipitations, designed for all regional flood forecasting agencies (France:S PC) as well as for the central hydrometeorology agency in charge of flood forecasting at national level SCHA( PI). It also operates as a regional flood forecasing agency in the “Mediterranean-East” area.

Under the national flash flood plan instigated by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transportation and Housing (MEDDTL), a new framework agreement was signed between Météo- France and the Central Agency for Disaster Pre-

vention (DGPR). This makes it possible to upgrade Taburet © Météo-France, P. the in-situ ground-based observation network, as well as the radar network in mainland France and to extend the latter to zones with hilly relief patterns, given the good results obtained by the With regard to water resource monitoring, Mé- From left to right: the project on hydro-meteorological hazards in moun- Minister of Ecology, téo-France is involved at the national and regional tainous and Mediterranean areas (RHYTMME) [see Sustainable Development, level in drafting hydrological status reports pro- Transportation and Hou- chapter 8 : “Observation and infrastructure”]. sing (MEDDTL), Nathalie duced by the Ministry (MEDDTL). The remarkable Kosciusko-Morizet, who drought experienced in mainland France in the On Réunion Island, the hydrology monitoring unit held a press conference on spring of 2011, led to require intensive monitoring the 17th of February 2011 set up within Météo-France’s facility but staffed by on the new government throughout the season. In this way, Météo-France Environment, Development and Housing (DEAL) coastal submersion road made an active contribution to the work of national map; François Jacq, CEO of personnel, is now up and running. The second Météo-France ; Jean-Marc monthly hydrological monitoring committees held radar on the island, necessary for fully operational Michel, Director General from May onward as well as a number of “drought” of planning, housing and monitoring was commissioned in September 2011. nature at the MEDDTL. task-teams set up in “départments”.

24 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Meteorology for Defence missions

étéo-France is in charge of providing meteorological products Helicopter of the French Navy during an emergency and services to the armed forces, operation. Mand therefore continuously caters to the needs expressed by Army Chiefs of Staff. This provision is divided into four main areas:

• providing army units with display terminals to analyse weather information, either directly or via programmes run by the General Delegation for Armament (DGA); • providing to the Armed Forces access to all of

Météo-France’s production; © Marine nationale • implementation of numerical forecasting models dedicated to the needs of the armed forces operating on external theatres; • contribution to training military staff forecasters.

NATO chose Météo-France for its forecaster’s work stations dispatched to operations theatres At the beginning of 2011, Météo-France and its industrial partners won the VISME tender to deploy new capabilities for viewing and processing weather data across NATO Chiefs of Staff and operations theatres. The retained bid, based on tried and tested Météo-France tools and web services, was built and tested in the last quarter of 2011 and will be deployed as from April 2012.

Météo-France’s contribution to studies © Marine nationale conducted by the DGA: the example of the GEODE4D project all operations theatres by 2017. This work, which Météo-France provides the General Delegation for is underway and is to be delivered in batches until Operation Harmattan off the coast of Libya. Armament (DGA) with expert climate and weather the end of 2012, will report on existing systems services and support for designing arms systems and will specify programme deliverables. It will feed under an agreement signed in 2009. The DGA also into design work on future systems awarded to entrusted to Météo-France, to the national geogra- three industrial companies, with results expected phic institute (IGN) and to the French Navy Hydro- in 2013. graphical and Oceanographic Service (SHOM) the responsibility of carrying out systems engineering studies for the GEODE4D armament programme, which has the task of providing forces and Chiefs of Staff with extended capabilities for representing the status of the geo-physical environment across

25 2 > Services to air navigation

Services to air navigation

As a service provider designated by the Government under the Single European Sky legislation, Météo-France is tasked with providing weather services to air navigation within French airspace, covering en-route and airfield weather forecasts. Service provision is subject to continuous service quality monitoring and cost management. As from September 2011, a single centre in Toulouse now serves as the weather watch centre for mainland France, instead of the previous five. Météo-France also aims to remain at the cutting edge of innovation, pursuing a major aeronautics R&D programme. . Delage C

Météo-France as the service provider © Météo-France, over French airspace View of the tarmac at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport from a departure he provision of weather services to the reference documents and published user guides. lounge. aviation sector is managed very strictly. Various documents, signed in 2010 between Mé- Global regulations are set by the Interna- téo-France and the French civil aviation authority T tional Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (DGAC), set out these rules, especially regarding convention. They are supplemented in Europe by the service level to be provided for each airfield in Single European Sky regulations and in France mainland France. by an executive order regulating meteorological services to air navigation. Météo-France monitors In 2011, Météo-France updated and supplemen- any changes to these closely, adapting its internal ted its reference documentation for air navigation

26 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

LES GUIDES PRATIQUES METEO FRANCE

The 2011-2013 issue of the Météo-France Aviation weather services. Alongside this, it supported Guide is updated with airport operators with the implementation of a amendment 75 to Appendix Aviation 3 of the ICAO and includes standard weather service, in compliance with the a number of methodology requirements of DGAC, due for completion by documents. 2013. Finally, new versions of documents linking Météo-France and DGAC have been produced to determine the service levels to be provided at airfields overseas.

Édition 2011 / 2013

27 2 > Services to air navigation

ATR 72-500 taking off from Wanaham airport in Lifou (New Caledonia) in October 2011. © Météo-France, P. Frayssinet © Météo-France, P.

The Single European Sky surveillance plan for audited the regional office at Réunion Island and the period 2011-2016 has been formalized by West Region, our observation systems department the French civil aviation safety board (DSAC), the and our aviation department at headquarters. It supervising authority in this regard. It schedules paid particular attention to verifying the effective annual on-site audits in mainland France and Over- implementation of applicable documents signed in seas and documentation reviews to ensure that our 2010. It confirmed the quality of the work carried organisation remains compliant. In 2011, DSAC out: no compliance shortcomings were identified.

Questions for

Jean-Louis Brenguier, SPECIAL ADVISOR, AERONAUTICS R&D

forecasting models around airports can scale 3-D convection detection using a help optimising hub traffic. By the same network of radars for the benefit of its token, we pay close attention to the nowcasting tools. needs of aviation users, which also helps to channel research work. The ability Météo-France is involved in the SESAR to manage the entire value chain from European aeronautical research initia- research to advising weather information tive. What are the advantages of doing users is also a valuable asset. this kind of work at the European level? The SESAR initiative enables us to struc- What are the main areas of activity for ture the research of various European © Météo-France, J.-M. Destruel Météo-France in terms of aeronautical weather services, so that each one Why is aeronautics R&D strategic R&D? works in its own area of excellence. In for Météo-France? Météo-France helps defining techno- this way, the EIG EUMETNET submitted Météo-France needs to remain at the logy that will provide the main weather a joint bid to the SESAR tender in 2011, cutting edge in terms of innovation and parameters (wind, pressure, temperature with weather services sharing resources quality of its response to the needs of and humidity) in any given airspace and and development costs. Alongside Mé- aviation users in a sector that represents at various time lines. This development téo-France, the UK Met Office is working a quarter of our income. Météo-France will make it possible to calculate optimal on clear air turbulence and probabilis- research is recognised for its excellence: aircraft trajectories. The most innovative tic approaches, the German weather our goal is to structure it around opera- contributions, however, concern convec- service (DWD) on icing and nowcasting tional services for the aviation sector. For tion-related hazards: Météo-France is in and the Finnish weather service (FMI) on example, developing very high-resolution fact the leading European body in fine- winter conditions at airports.

28 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Airfield services

Organisational changes In order to achieve technical consistency and economic performance, Météo-France began to restructure its airport hub weather management units in 2011. The first aviation operation centres (CRA) now able to provide regulatory services to multiple medium-sized airfields are now up and running. These changes will continue until 2016.

Development of new observation and forecasting tools Above and beyond this, Météo-France is developing new resources to provide improved respon- ses to expressed needs from aviation stakeholders. For example, this applies to observing vertical wind © Météo-France shear, i.e., variations in wind speed and direction with elevation, a phenomenon which regularly Following Orly Airport in 2010, this type of system Doppler radar and Lidar disrupts aircraft approach. Following an initial was implemented at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport in installed at Nice-Côte experiment at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport in 2009, March 2011. As early as 2009, Météo-France had d’Azur Airport to detect wind shear disrupting Météo-France deployed an ambitious system on suggested that it should provide an aerogramme aircraft. that site between May and November 2011. To application on an experimental basis. It was also improve overall service, a latest generation Doppler involved in a number of work groups under the radar and Doppler Lidar supplement surface ob- CDM@LYS programme, particularly the one looking servations, measuring radial winds within the hub’s at « crisis » situations where weather is a major approach zone. The results of this experiment will factor. make it possible to define the working conditions of future operational systems. In addition, in 2011, Météo-France continued its standardisation of the CDM@CDG information Airport-Collaborative Deci- sion Making label awarded Contribution to collaborative system, which, by the end of 2012, will give it a in the presence of the Ile de management systems system that can be transposed more easily onto France-Centre Interregional Director for Météo-France. T he European Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) other airports. label officially recognises the capability of an airport to implement a real-time information exchange system enabling all airport hub stakeholders to make the appropriate decisions for ensuring smooth ground traffic flow by reducing aircraft taxiing time.

Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport is the first major European airport to be awarded the Airport-Colla- borative Decision Making label, which it received on the 20th of June 2011 for its CDM@CDG system. Météo-France is an essential CDM@CDG stakehol- der, setting up the “aerogramme” IT application in 2007 and being involved in the CDM plateau decision-making units. Météo-France played a highly active role in continuous improvement processes, which allow the lessons learned from airport disruptions to be taken into account, for example. © Météo-France

29 2 > Services to air navigation

Du 10 novembre 2011 a 13 h UTC au 12 novembre 2011 a 00 h UTC AEROGRAMME du 10/11/2011 à 12:06 UTC de Lyon-Saint Exupéry (69)

Heure UTC 10 13h 10 14h 10 15h 10 16h 10 17h 10 18h 10 19h 10 20h 10 21h 10 22h 10 23h 11 00h 11 01h 11 02h 11 03h 11 04h 11 05h 11 06h 11 07h 11 08h 11 09h 11 10h 11 11h 11 12h 11 15h 11 18h 11 21h 12 00h

Nébulosité

Temps sensible

Direction du vent

Vent moyen en km/h 05555550000000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 10 10 5 5

Rafales en km/h ------

Limite Pluie/Neige en ------mètre Températures sous abri 13 13 13 12 12 11 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 10 12 13 14 13 11 11 en °C

LEGENDE

Pour Température Température Nuages Belles Très Clair à Belles Nuages Très Clair à Rien à Brouillard Brouillard Inconnu vendredi maxi mini prédominant éclaircies nuageux peu éclaircies prédominant nuageux peu signaler peu dense 11/11/11 ou nuageux ou nuageux dense par 15 °C 6 °C couvert couvert endroit

Rationalisation of the “en-route” service

Centralisation of en-route weather watch centres On the 15th of September 2011, Toulouse was instated as the sole Meteorological Watch Office (MWO) for the five Flight Information Regions (FIR) of mainland France. This centralisation, carefully planned for over a year with DGAC, delivers greater efficiency and better consistency between SIGMET (Significant Meteorological information) reports produced for each FIR.

A number of innovations have also been implemented, such as producing SIGMET reports in graph form for ATM centres in charge of en route traffic.T hese products, containing elements referring to the air navigation environment (routes, sectors, flight paths) enable air traffic controllers to view the extent of the zone affected by the SIGMET report immediately.

Example of a SIGMET chart.

30 MEtEo France - annual report 2011 © G. Le Bars

FAB weather factors The Functional Airspace Block (FAB) project is Flight over Polynesia. Overseas, air traffic quality is aimed at enabling an aircraft to cross borders crucial for economic activities without having to change the type and form of and for people’s security and navigation information it requires. The project safety. includes a weather component designed to offer shared, integrated and consistent en-route information within the Airspace Block. Météo-France is working actively with the five other weather service providers designated by each Member State belonging to the FAB-Europe Centre (FABEC) on proposals for a customised en-route service. Two unified products should be available by the end of 2012: wind & altitude charts and radar data for the identification of convective zones. Météo-France’s recent centralisation of the MWO function for the 5 French FIR will facilitate dialogue with other weather service providers for the joint production of “borderless” SIGMET reports.

31 3 > commercial services

Commercial services

The goal of Météo-France’s commercial activity is to meet weather related requirements of businesses and consumers in a competitive market. The professional businesses market involves all sectors of the economy, such as energy, public works and construction, transport, agriculture and the media. Météo-France provides custom climatology, forecasting and warning products combined with advisory and analysis services. The consumer market essentially involves on-line services via land-line or mobile telephony and the Internet. © Météo-France, M. Hontarrède

Motorway at night. Commercial revenue for 2011

t the end of 2011, commercial revenue  Access to the Météo-France website stood at $39.98M excluding taxes, by disabled persons showing a 2.5% increase within the A same scope as 2010. This figure covers In the summer of 2011, Météo-France applied the standards of the general services to businesses (51%), phone-in services government accessibility reference document (RGAA) to information most Audiotel and Minitel (36%), Internet and mobile commonly viewed on the meteofrance.com web site, in order to comply advertising revenue (13%). with the 11th of February 2005 Act “on equal rights and opportunities, participation and citizenship for disabled persons”. Options are now available for This increase is mainly due to an upturn in growth Internet users equipped with special interfaces (alternative keyboards, braille for the business sector and strong growth in the systems, screen readers, speech synthesis, etc.) for web surfing, searching advertising sector. In spite of Minitel services for and viewing forecasts for France, weather warning information and the coming to an end in September 2010, the whole of “Latest news” section, which account for around 96% of visits to the site. audio phone-in revenue remains stable. These important changes have led to a number of adaptations and major technical developments and a change in the way items are published.

32 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Android application. 24x7 weather related services that meet the needs of all

n 2011, Météo-France continued its efforts access to all useful weather information to extend and enrich its consumer offer, notably for daily use. restating its capacity for mobile, web and Inter- I net innovations. Major changes were made to the meteofrance.com web site in 2011, Following the success of its iPhone application, in order to make the most commonly which easily exceeded two million downloads by viewed information available to disabled the end of 2011, Météo-France launched two persons. Despite the fact that weather new free applications achieving around 500,000 developments were comparatively downloads: the first in March for Nokia smartpho- low-key, the number of visitors to the nes and the second in July - accessible on Android meteofrance.com site in 2011 remai- 2.1 phones and above. Like their counterparts for ned stable compared to 2010, with iPhone, these applications allow for easy, intuitive over 1.4 billion pages viewed.

33 3 > commercial services © Peugeot Sports

The entire Peugeot Sports Customised services for professionals team, including Météo- France Sports forecaster and businesses G. Bottlaender (far left). Well done to the team – a customer for over 10 years that has now moved on to étéo-France has focused its efforts detection during automobile races and tennis tour- new horizons. on meeting customer expectations by naments. setting up a Customer Relations Cen- M tre and developing customised sup- As in previous years, 2011 was marked by a port tools for decision-making, notably including number of prizes won by our partner racing car a new range of monitoring products. Designed to teams: Peugeot Sports (manufacturer title and meet requirements ranging from the simplest to Intercontinental Le Mans Cup team title), Skoda the most complex, this portfolio of services also Motorsport (manufacturer title and International uses the expertise of subsidiaries where required. Rally Challenge driver’s title), and Citroën Racing This has led, not only to an expansion in Internet (5th manufacturer title and 8th driver’s title in the sales and an update of our offers for the construc- World Rally Championships). In New Caledonia, tion and road sectors, but also to opening up new Météo-France supported the 14th Pacific Games, markets in the insurance, leisure and tourism, held in Nouméa between the 27th of August and wine-growing, telecom operator, hydrology and the 10th of September 2011. commercial aviation sectors. Road weather Media The OPTIMA system providing products to road In March 2011, Météo-France signed a partnership travel decision-making has been updated with with Keywall, a joint venture created in Decem- new information, such as potential snow cover, ber 2010 by RTBF, the Belgian French language which provides advanced warning of expected broadcasting company, and Les Editions Dupuis, snow heights and types (powdery, dry, wet, etc.) a producer of turnkey audio-visual services for the with a 24 hour lead-time. Belgian and Northern Europe market. Under this partnership Météo-France provides Keywall with Insurance forecasts and services for Belgium for use on RTBF Météo-France has designed a specific offer to help and AB3 TV web sites, TV and radio stations. insurance companies optimise their internal organisation and offers new services to their policyhol- Services to sports competitions ders. This is based on a custom warning service, For the 4th year running, Météo-France Sports has where specific parameters are created with each provided invaluable weather support to the Mont particular insurance company. Allianz was the first Blanc Ultra-Trail, a competition that attracts thou- company to adopt these solutions. sands of racers from around the world. For this occasion, Météo-France set up a second mobile X-band radar, already used for fine rain

34 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

 C ustomer Relations Centre Annual customer satisfaction surveys conducted in 2010 had highlighted potential improvements to on-line ordering and interaction with businesses. The Customer Relations Centre was set up to address this. It is made up of two complementary units: a national-level centre for customers ordering on-line and a regional network of specialists for handling requests for more specific needs. Its deployment will be completed during the first quarter of 2012.

Telephone hotline at the Customer Relations Centre in Villeneuve d’Ascq. ©, Météo-France, B. Sompayrac

Partnership with Allianz France and storms) are exceeded, Météo-France warns Allianz France and produces custom early-warning maps for them. These cus- for improved incident management tomised services meet a number of the company’s requirements, Under a partnership deal signed on the 21st of March 2011, Mé- helping it to better anticipate peak incident management activity, téo-France forecasters provide services to Allianz France insu- mobilise experts and claims assessors and optimise customer rance company staff. In the event that jointly agreed thresholds response, for example. for four types of phenomena (wind, heavy rain, black ice/snow

Developments and subsidiaries

n 2011, Meteo France International (MFI) Showing an increase in turnover in line with its completed a project to modernise the Indian targets, Météorage launched a new service called weather service and signed a major contract Visiofoudre, which makes it possible to view light- I to modernise the Indonesian weather service ning activity across mainland France in real time BKMG. Working alongside Météo-France, MFI won (free access at meteorage.fr). Subscriptions to the the Visme tender for equipping NATO with a new telemetering service, which help industrial facilities weather data workstation for operations theatres. to comply with regulations following a lightning strike, have increased considerably. On the expiry of an agreement signed at the end of 2011, CDC Climat, a subsidiary of Caisse des In 2011, advertising revenue for Météo-France dépôts et consignation, increased its equity in Régie, a wholly owned subsidiary selling adverti- Metnext, making it the majority shareholder. sing space in Météo-France electronic media and documentation, increased by 10% against 2010. Predict Services has continued to show strong growth in terms of both local flood-response plans and shared the real-time crisis management service. The number one insurer of French city councils has thus registered 18,000 councils with the “Wiki Predict” real-time service.

 MFI signs a contract for modernising the Indonesian weather service

On the 30th of September 2011, MFI signed its largest ever contract with the Indonesian weather service BKMG (30 million Euros). BKMG plans to implement a weather observation infrastructure, a central and 5 main weather region information systems and a lightning alert network for the island of Java. BKMG will also be able to draw upon French know-how and expertise, placing it in a

position to issue reliable weather alerts and information to the country’s popu- © MFI

lation and main economic sectors within 3 years. The contract was signed between the MFI and the Indonesian weather service (BKMG) on the 30th of September 2011.

35 4 > Teaching meteorology, training personnel, disseminating meteorological information

Teaching meteorology, training personnel, disseminating meteorological information

Teaching and training in meteorology are an integral part of the activities of Météo-France. The ENM (National School of Meteorology)is responsible for coordinating these activities for Météo-France, as it is for a wider audience. It relies both on in-house resources and numerous contacts made in academia. Amateurs, students or professionals, the young and the not so young, all come to gain knowledge, both theoretical and practical, in meteorology, by vocation, but also to optimise their decision-making in operational contexts, for which the weather-climate factor is important - and to some extent predictable.

Contributing to the teaching of meteorology

s part of the National Polytechnic Ins- from the CTI (the commission for the certification titute of Toulouse (INPT) since 2009, of engineering degrees) and the Ministry for Higher the ENM trains engineers (Masters) and Education and Research (MESR) the renewal of its A civilian and military technicians (Bache- accreditation to award degrees for the maximum lors), students and public sector trainees alike period of 6 years, which is accompanied by an in the various aspects of meteorology: research, EUR-ACE (European Accreditation of Engineering production and consultancy, observation networks programmes) accreditation. These steps provide implementation, numerical modelling for weather solid bases for preparing the opening up of the and climate forecasting. In 2011 the ENM obtained ENM to a wider student body. The acquisition, at

36 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Teaching meteorology, training personnel, disseminating aflorencie L . meteorological information S rance, F étéo- M ©

the end of 2011, of an ERASMUS charter (European

On the12th of July 2011, community Action Scheme for the Mobility of at the International University Students), paves the way for European Conference Centre in student exchanges. Toulouse: presentation of diplomas to civilian and military students, Météo-France is also contributing to primary and technicians (B.Sc) and engineers (M. Sc) of secondary school teaching. France has participa- the National School of ted, for the first time in 2011, in the International Meteorology (ENM). Earth Science Olympiad (IESO), the ENM collabo- rated with “Sciences à l’École”, a partner designated by the French National Education Minister, in EUR-ACE accreditation organising the participation of French high school certificate attributed to students. These efforts were rewarded by the very the engineers training programme of the ENM good results: two silver and two bronze medals for the period 2011-2017. obtained by the four participating teams.

Moreover, teaching material and in particular Prize-winning French participants in the 2011 downloadable animations from the website “edu- International Earth Science cation.meteo.fr”, hosted by Météo-France, were Olympiad at Modena (Italy). produced in 2011 for a still larger body of teachers (more than 2000 registered).

37 4 > Teaching meteorology, training personnel, disseminating meteorological information

Image from the animation produced for the joint Météo-France/Éducation Nationale site: education. meteo.fr (a teacher must re- gister using his/her address @ac-academie.fr to be able to download).

Training personnel

he most outstanding initiative was the trainers using common teaching tools and experts design and creation of training master- taking part mostly by means of videoconferencing, plan to accompany the new forecasting 75 sessions have been organised for the benefit of T organisation, set up between 2011 and 470 trainees, for a total of 1,125 hours of teaching, 2012. This year we have gone from the experimen- 775 of which were given in our regional facilities. tal phases to the training itself, which has been designed mostly along decentralised lines. Run by

Communicating knowledge and information

étéo-France uses many methods catalogue and present and means to communicate knowle- online access requests. dge and information about meteorolo- Reuse is free of charge M gy and climate: the sections “Unders- for some data; a fee must tanding the weather”, “Climate” or “Education” on be paid for other types the website http://meteofrance.com/, conferences, of data, which allows exhibitions, the facilites of Mount Aigoual, the “Cité users to contribute to de l’espace” [NFT : Air and Space Museum] in Tou- the cost of infrastructure, louse, Nausicaa [NFT : Marine and Oceanography collection, transformation Museum] in Boulogne-sur-Mer, joint work with the and making the data Ministry of Education and various educative and available. cultural non-profit organizations, such as S“ cience in school” etc. The Portal’s catalogue grew considerably in Météo-France produces a great deal of data for 2011. More than 6,000 its official duties, qualified as being “public data”: user accounts were open at year’s end and the ground-based observation, images and radar Portal was getting around 40,000 visits TDC review (Texts products, basic climate data, forecasting model per month. and Documents for the Classroom) devoted products, etc. To facilitate reuse, a Portal to meteorology and (https://public.meteofrance.com) was launched in intended for teachers. October 2010. It allows everyone to consult the

38 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Questions for

mistry. The themes taught at the ENM Météo-France is multiplying its high per- Gilbert Casamatta, PRESIDENT OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION are central to sustainable development formance computing partnerships with AND RESEARCH CENTRE (PRES) AT THE and have contributed to this school industry and research institutions at the UNIVERSITY OF TOULOUSE, PRESIDENT becoming an important contributor in CERFACS (European centre for research OF THE NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC the new INP training project “sustainable and advanced training in scientific com- INSTITUTE OF TOULOUSE (INPT). development engineering”, submitted to putation) in Toulouse and the European the CTI for the start of the 2013-14 aca- Centre for Medium Range Weather demic year. Apart from this high-profile Forecasts (ECMWF). role, the ENM has fully played its role in several joint actions, both documentary The PRES is also supporting an Excel- services and CIT for education. lence initiative (IDEX), the “Unified Toulouse Initiative”, which is proposing estruel

D The Higher Education and Research to completely transform the universities .

M Centre (PRES), of which you are the in Toulouse: what place do you envi- president, is the main contractor of the sage for the themes of meteorology and Espace Clément Ader, as part of the climate within this new context? rance, J.- F Toulouse Campus operation: can you tell The themes of environmental sciences

étéo- us something about this? and atmosphere have a rich history in M

© The Espace Clément Ader is a no- Toulouse, firstly around the Midi-Pyré- teworthy example of the excellence of nées Observatory and, more recently, engineering in Toulouse: the Minister Météo-France. The research laborato- You have accepted National Meteorology for Higher Education and Research ries involved are regularly assessed at School (ENM) within the INPT since 2 is himself coming to launch this inter- the highest level by AÉRES (Agency for years: why, and what is your assessment? national profile project on the 19th of the assessment of research and higher The mission of the INP, a university January 2012. It brings together all of education), and called upon for all the gathered around “Grandes écoles” [Note the important partners in industry, the excellence initiatives: these are clearly from Translator : Elite Higher Education university and public research operators, themes that cannot be separated from Schools], is to federate common pro- around themes of structures, systems the orientation of the future university jects around a distinctive style, while res- and process mechanics. It is to ac- of Toulouse at the international level. pecting the individuality of each member. commodate an intensive computational The creation of a Toulouse Tech college It quickly became apparent that the platform that will host the next super- gathering all of the “Grandes écoles” scientific themes of meteorology and computer used by Météo-France and in Toulouse (including the ENM) within climate were adjacent to those traditio- its partners for research and for weather the new university cluster will increase nally dealt with by the members of the and climate forecasting. It should be research-teaching synergies around INP: hydraulics, fluid mechanics,IT and remembered that, beyond the synergies, pivotal themes and will rid us of old-habit applied mathematics, agronomy, che- necessarily limited to its official duties, cleavages.

39 5 > forecasting

forecasting

The operational forecasting services of Météo-France were called upon on several occasions in 2011 to deal with some major episodes of bad weather: snow in the winter, drought in the spring, the storm Irene in the French Caribbean, a Mediterranean episode in the South-East at the start of November and the storm Joachim that swept the west and north of the country in December. Support

was also given to public authorities after the accident at Taburet © Météo-France, P. Fukushima, using operational tools to forecast the transport and dissemination of atmospheric pollution. Forecaster at his post in the Media unit of Île-de-France- Centre regional division of Management of these episodes has improved thanks to Météo-France. advances in modelling of the atmosphere, waves, storm surges and pollution, as well as the setting up of new operational versions of forecasting systems, developed and deployed in 2011.

40 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Toward a new organisation of forecasting services

n order to make further progress in terms of is to monitor a collaborative forecasting database forecasting quality and service provided to users 24 hours-a-day in order to serve “weather consul- and on the basis of the advances made in tancy” services that satisfy the needs of various I observation, forecasting systems and colla- end-users. Particular emphasis has been placed borative tools, the offices of our West andN orth on duties related to safety (support for civilian sa- regional centers were reorganised in 2011. This will fety services, flood warning services, etc.), with the be extended to the other regional bodies in 2012. implementation of a dedicated function at regional This new organisation will help consolidate our level. “guidance forecasting” system whose main duty

41 5 > forecasting

Operational numerical weather prediction

fter a testing period of several months, forecasting of small-scale low pressure systems. Its a new version of the Météo-France behaviour has been tested with success on severe forecasting models became operational winter storms and stormy periods in summer. The A in September. Some of the improvements taking into account of the water cycle has been were made so that a greater number of satellite modified for a better representation of the life cycle observations can be used. of snowfalls.

The representation of thunderstorms in the ARPÈGE global model has been modified to improve the

Questions for

Gwenaëlle Hello, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FORECASTING

advances and will be better suited to the also started to renew its collaborative needs of its users. Thus, “guidance fore- toolset at the same time. In particu- casting” (general “upstream” forecasting lar, shift forecasters will benefit from a made for an area with no particular user renovated toolset that is more suited to targeted) will now take place at two inputting and assessing their forecasts, levels (national and regional) rather than making use of the latest Web techno- three (national, regional and departmen- logies so that several layers of informa- tal) as it is at present, while the develop- tion can be overlayed (meteorological, ment of “end-user weather consultancy” geographical, etc.). will mean that the needs of end-users can be fulfilled more efficiently. How is the project being implemented? The project started in June 2009. This project is a response to the stra- The first year was spent defining and © Météo-France, P. Pichard © Météo-France, P. tegic orientations of Météo-France and choosing the methods and toolsets. In builds upon the efforts of several ad hoc 2011 three full-scale experiments were With the implementation of work groups in 2008 and 2009. The conducted to refine the plans, define the the “Prévi 2012” project, new organization relies on 7 regional roles and improve the functionalities of centers and a network of territorial offi- the tools. the forecasting organiza- ces. The project takes into account the tion at Météo-France is implications of this reorganisation to the The implementation calendar includes undergoing a major trans- activities of the CNP (national forecasting experimentation periods, training in skills centre). and tools, and double shifts. Since the formation. Gwenaëlle Hello end of 2011, two Regions (North and is here to tell us about it. What resources have been mobilized? West) have been operating according Prévi 2012 does not include the tech- to the new procedures and marine fore- nical side of things, strictly speaking. It casting for the “Channel-Atlantic” area is he Prévi 2012 project is aimed at concentrates mainly on the way work also operational. The work is to continue implementing a new organisation is organized, on methods and a lot of in 2012 with the goal of setting up all of Tof the forecasting services that training courses have been offered to the “guidance forecasting” areas before will take into account recent technical forecasters. However, Météo-France has June of that year.

42 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

A new representation of the effect of relief on the flow has meant that the AROME model (mesoscale model used for 24 hour forecasting over mainland France) can simulate local winds better. In accordance with the recommendations of a study conducted after the disastrous flooding in the Var department in June 2010, the volume of GPS surface data used in this model has increased four-fold. This data is an important complement to the observations made using the hydro-meteorological radar network. All of the developments in 2011 are contributing to tangible improvements in the forecasting of precipitations. Progress in the prediction of hailstorms has also been made, Throughout the entire disaster-management Hailstorms predicted using thanks to the introduction of a diagnostic that period, forecasts of radioactive pollutant transport the AROME model on the shows areas at risk. emanating from the Fukushima power station were 23rd of August 2011, at ranges between 2 and 8 made using operational versions of the models as hours (on the left) and A new operational system, set up during the winter well as versions specifically developed for this type estimated from radar of 2010/2011 for road support services, has of situation. observation (on the right). We note that the model helped to make significant gains in the accuracy anticipates the arrival of of road surface temperature predictions, with an hailstorms quite realistically. average 0.5°C reduction in errors. A forecasting system using temperature measurements at the surface as well as in the ground is now possible for some road sections. Several new developments have been added to this system. They concern the prediction of snow ground cover and the inclusion of expert forecasts. Tests have also been run as part of the development of a forecasting system for road surface conditions, providing information on the characteristics of the expected snow: snow persistence on the ground, depth, type, density, etc.

As a RSMC (Regional Specialized Met Centre) designated by the WMO (World Meteorological Organisation), Météo-France is expected to provide forecasts of the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere following a nuclear accident. Two models have been developed to provide “IAEA standard” products and some diagnostics useful for decision support. One is dedicated to small-scale pollution and the other to large scale pollution. As soon as the March 11, 2011 tsunami in Japan was announced, these two forecasting systems were Level of radioactivity activated in response to requests from the IAEA predicted by the Mocage- (International Atomic Energy Agency) and from the Accident model 8 days after the Fukushima accident French authorities, particularly in support of the on the 11th of March 2011. institute of nuclear protection and safety (IRSN).

43 5 > forecasting

Experimental Extranet for APIC. The communities affected by heavy rainfall Nowcasting are highlighted (situation on the 11th of November 2011 at 11PM). he prediction of small-scale meteorological phenomena with a short lifetime is steadily being improved, thanks in T particular to the use of radar data in the models and the development of a system that is specifically designed for nowcasting – the timescales of which can be anything from a few minutes up to several hours.

The great variety of precipitations observed within the same storm system makes it difficult, with the current techniques, to issue detailed rainfall forecasts, particularly in the case of systems that generate intensive local rainfall. Faced with this problem, Météo-France has developed a warning system for city-councils, called APIC (for intense rainfall at the council level), designed to assess and warn in real-time of the exceptional character of precipitations observed at the scale of the locality. Although this does not really constitute a forecast per se, experience shows that the crossing of some quantitative thresholds is generally a good indicator of ensuing hydrological consequences, such as runoff in an urban environment, or rapid, and sometimes very sudden, swelling of small water courses. If a hydro-meteorological radar reveals an exceptional rainfall, then a warning is sent to the councils in question and disseminated by voice or SMS message to mobile telephones. The time that elapses between the identification of the exceptional character of ongoing precipitations and the problems encountered on the ground is sometimes short, but it can nevertheless make the activation of appropriate measures possible, particularly in the councils that have a local community rescue plan. The radar network, which is constantly being upgraded, provides a real-time estimate of precipitation quantities that is of sufficient quality to cover 79% of city-councils today.

uittonneau, www.infoclimat.fr G . G ©

Example of an SMS APIC The Caramy (at Vins-sur- warning received on the Caramy, Var) high waters 3rd of November 2011. on the 6th of November 2011.

44 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Seasonal forecasting

hile it is true that the predictability with the Russian meteorological service, the “Long of the climate system at seaso- term forecasting” node of the Regional Climate nal range is much greater in the Centre for Regional Association VI. A dedicated W tropical regions and in those, such web site has been set up for access to seasonal as Alaska, that directly benefit from atmospheric forecasts produced by Météo-France. All of the teleconnections, its usefulness on the Atlantic Météo-France operational system checks can also seaboard of Europe is nevertheless real and has a be consulted on this site. large number of applications. In 2011, production was enriched by forecasts Météo-France plays an important role in this pertaining to distinct geographical areas and that context. As a historic partner of the Euro-SIP pro- are now regularly integrated into the global climate ject (European multi-model Seasonal to Inter-an- bulletin. Finally, European-level cooperation is nual Prediction), it is one of the centres producing currently being developed so that a consensus on global-scale seasonal forecasts recognised by the winter and summer predictions can be reached. WMO (World Meteorological Organisation). In this framework, Météo-France is directing, together

Homepage of the Météo-France “Seasonal forecast” site, http://elabo- ration.seasonal.meteo.fr

45 6 > understanding past and future climate

understanding past and future climate

Knowledge and understanding climate change are of a major interest for society. Météo-France contributes to documenting present climate, reconstituting past changes and predicting estruel D future trends. The development of climate services is going to be a major challenge for the next few years, particularly in response to the needs of mitigation and adaptation policies. This service must cover a wide spectrum, from diagnostics to projections, with an goal of transparency and quality of the © Météo-France, J.-M. basic datasets. Meteorological observation notebooks from the It is with this aim that Météo-France is continuing its work inter-war period. These documents had been taken of 2011, particularly in the direction of rescuing old data away from France in 1940 and only rediscovered very th and the production of future scenarios, for the 5 report of recently by our German colleagues. the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

46 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Map of temperatures for the 17th of June 1924. rchives nationales rchives A © et abur T . P The memory of our climate © Météo-France,

he search in Germany for climatological archives from the French territory is continuing to bear fruit. The German meteoro- T logical service (DWD) has given back to Météo-France several collections of observations Météo-France has also been a driving force in the made before and during the Second World War development, under the sponsorship of BNP-Pa- Dusting-out documents from the National Archives by the French, by the occupying forces and by ribas foundation, of an asbestos-removal project at Fontainebleau. the Royal Air Force. 73,000 observations from the from the buildings of the National Archives at period 1940-44, from 33 stations, have thus been Fontainebleau allowing access to climate records included in the climate database. that are stored there.

47 6 > understanding past and future climate

For the CLIMSEC (2008-2011) project, conducted Finally, as part of a project funded by the DGPR Estimation of hourly pre- with the support of several scientific institutions and (Governement Office for Disaster Reduction and cipitations (in mm/h) over the Maif foundation, analysis has helped characte- Prevention) and supported jointly by Météo-France South-East France on the 8th of September 2002 at rise the types of drought in mainland France that and IRSTEA (National research institute of science 18h UTC, based on rainfall occured over the 1958-2008 period and prepare and technology for environment and agriculture, data alone (a) and from the reanalysis of radar observa- a diagnostic for their expected development over formerly CEMAGREF), a climatology of natural tions (b). This last method the 21st century. The study, looking back over 50 avalanches occuring in the French Alps over the gives much finer structures. years, has made use of the soil humidity modelling last 50 years has been created from the database (Precipitations of less than 0.5mm are not shown). capability of the SAFRAN-ISBA-MODCOU (SIM) of the EPA (Permanent avalanche survey), operational system. The different types of drought from observations of the snow-meteorology (meteorological, agricultural and hydrological) and network and from results obtained with their main characteristics (start, end, severity, ma- the SAFRAN-CROCUS-MEPRA system used to gnitude) have been determined from standardized forecast avalanche hazards. The first analyses of indicators, guaranteeing the spatial consistency of annual averages have brought to light the consis- the analyses over different time intervals. It has thus tency and complementary nature of the IRSTEA been possible to build a spatialised climatology for and Météo-France databases. This study does drought in mainland France. An assessment of the not show any significant trend in avalanche activity characteristics expected for future droughts was over the last fifty years.I t will be continued at finer Avalanche from the Pointe then conducted with the same indexes, computed spatial and temporal scales and is expected to du Dard in the Vanoise as it from regionalised climate projections from the work soon provide an analysis of relations linking climate reaches the forest. of the IPCC. The diverse sources of uncertainty variations and avalanches. associated with global climate models, socio- economic scenarios and regionalisation methods have been taken into account. Lighter summer precipitations, as well as higher temperatures and evaporation all contribute to very clear signals. The different climate projections all agree and lead to the conclusion of worsening drought conditions during the course of the 21st century. F

A reanalysis of precipitations observed by Météo- AGRE France radars, with an hourly and kilometric resolu- M CE tion over mainland France, has also been accom-

plished for the period 1997-2006. The results will . Vion, C

be available at the end of the first quarter of 2012. ©

48 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Future climate scenarios and work done for the IPCC

he contribution made by Météo-France databases network called the “Earth System Grid”, to the next IPCC report (publication due implemented at the National Centre for Meteo- Changes in annual in 2013) has consisted primarily in new rological Research (CNRM) of Météo-France, in average temperature at 2 metres (°C), simulated climate simulations for the CMIP5 project Toulouse. by the CNRM-CM5 model T between the period 1970-99 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase and 2070-99, for three 5) of the WCRP (World Climate Research Pro- Other forced and coupled simulations, obtained greenhouse gas emission gramme), covering a total of almost 9,000 years. A from a variable mesh version of the ARPÈGE-Climat scenarios. new global coupled climate model (CNRM-CM5) was developed for this, with a horizontal resolution close to 150km, in cooperation with CERFACS (European centre for research and advanced training in scientific computation). It relies on the coupled ocean-atmosphere core of the models NEMO v3.2 and ARPÈGE-Climat v5 developed °C by the Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace (IPSL) and Météo-France respectively. It is able to represent surface-atmosphere exchanges, sea ice and the flow of rivers.

The present climate, its evolution since 1850 and some paleo-climates are being simulated and will be validated. For the study of the future, new scenarios for the evolution of greenhouse gases and atmospheric aerosols have been prepared by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) according to the forcing that may be °C reached by the end of the 21st century. Taking three of these scenarios into account (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 et RCP8.5), the CNRM-CM5 model has simulated an increase in the annual average temperature of 1.3°C, 2.1°C and 3.5°C, respectively, between the periods 1970-1999 and 2070-2099. For the most pessimist scenario this increase would be 4°C higher on the continents and almost 10°C in the Arctic. As for previous periods, we see that in all cases the temperature increases faster on the continents than on the oceans and that the level of warming varies with latitude. The amplification °C of climate warming simulated in the polar regions is mostly due to the regression of the snow mantle and the ice floe.

In order to respond to very great demand, these results are distributed around the international °C climate community via a node of the distributed

49 6 > understanding past and future climate . Brunot G

Combe de Balme summit in La Clusaz (Mont-Blanc massif, Haute-Savoie). © Météo-France,

model, show an intensification and displacement Reduction (%) of the depth of future cyclonic activity toward the north and east of average snow in winter of the Atlantic basin. Significant progress has also for the possible climate at the end of the 21st century been made in the development of a prototype of (A2 IPCC scenario) compa- a climate-carbon coupled model taking into red to a reference climate (1961-1990). The grey areas account soil-biosphere-atmosphere interactions correspond to regions (ISBA-CC model) and marine biogeochemistry where the depth is expec- (PISCES model). ted to vary on average by less than 1cm.

The refinement at the scale of France, of climate change scenarios is an issue both for adaptation measures, which would need to be taken between now and the middle of the century, and also for a better knowledge of the hazards that would be incurred at the end of the century in the absence of mitigation measures.

An original approach has been developed for the SCAMPEI project (Climate scenarios for mountain areas: extreme phenomena, snow cover and This has provided series that relate, not only to uncertainties) of the National Research Agency the reference period of 1961-1990, but also to (ANR), to estimate the snow cover in France at a possible snow cover in the middle and end of the regional scale. The results of high-resolution simu- 21st century, in the absence of mitigation measures. lations, using three French regional climate models These results were then refined using the ISBA-ES (12km for ALADIN) over periods of 30 years, have soil-vegetation model. The data and the results of been statistically adapted to the 615 climatically these experiments are available and downloadable, homogeneous areas of our SYMPOSIUM system, for free of charge, from a number of different elevations at 300m intervals. www.cnrm.meteo.fr/scampei/.

50 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Finally, Météo-France is also taking part in Example of results the CORDEX international programme (Coordina- downloadable from the site ted Regional climate Downscaling Experiment), www.cnrm.meteo.fr/scampei/. conducting high-resolution simulations of the future climate (based on the RCP4.5 scenario of the IPCC) of the African continent. This project, initiated by the WMO, is aimed at translating the data of the regional climate models to a human scale, in order to help communities to adapt to the changing climate systems and to design appropriate natural disaster mitigation plans.

51 7 > The research mission

The research mission

Météo-France is expanding its research activity in line with the academic excellence criteria, deploying teams that are fully integrated within the French and European scientific arena. In addition to the climate topic addressed in the previous chapter, the goals are aimed at improving weather forecasting by developing cutting-edge numerical tools, mastering the latest observation techniques and advancing knowledge in the fields of atmosphere, oceans, soils and snow mantle. Research is conducted by Météo-France in units closely linked to the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and regularly assessed by the Agency for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (AÉRES), the National Centre for BLLAST measurement initiative, between the 14th of Meteorological Research- Meteorological Atmosphere Study June and the 8th of July 2011 in Lannemezan (Hautes Group (CNRM-Game) in Toulouse and the Atmosphere and Pyrénées). The purpose is to describe movements in the Cyclone Laboratory (LACY) on Réunion Island. Météo-France boundary layer during late afternoon and at sunset. is also developing a partnership policy with universities, in particular collaborating with the Sciences of the Universe Observatories at their sites in Toulouse, Grenoble, Brest and Réunion Island. A number of projects were organised in 2011 (LABEX and EQUIPEX) as part of the country’s strategic Investments for the Future.

52 MEtEo France - annual report 2011 étéo-France, P. Taburet étéo-France, P. M ©

The development of numerical weather prediction systems

he main improvements made to the • improving the resolution of the ARPÈGE and operational numerical weather prediction AROME forecasting systems; (NWP) systems in 2011, described in • increasing the number and diversity of obser- T chapter 5, “Forecasting”, are the result vations taken into account by these systems, of NWP research work carried out within particularly those produced by the new satelli- CNRM-Game and LACY. tes, GPS systems and European weather radar stations; Current studies are part of the commitments made • developing new systems for making ensemble by Météo-France for the 2015 timeline. They are forecasts based on the AROME model, hourly essentially aimed at: updated forecasts to support air navigation and • improving visibility forecasts and the risk of more accurate forecasting for main airport hubs extreme rainfall events at the infra-departmental in mainland France (AROME-Airport). level;

53 7 > The research mission

MetOp 02 satellite image on 17/02/2008 at 06:18 UTC. The intense tropical cyclone Ivan hits the East coast of Madagascar.

THE FIRST TROPICAL CYCLONE FORECASTS MADE BY THE AROME MODEL

The intensification of tropical cyclones have been carried out using the AROME is obviously due to external processes model, with a horizontal resolution of such as interaction with atmospheric 2.5km. Initial base conditions came from and oceanic environments, but changes ALADIN-Réunion model analyses. With to the internal structure of a cyclone and a domain of integration large enough to convection processes also play an im- reproduce the development of cyclone Structure of cyclone Ivan simulated by AROME on an 82 portant part. A model capable of showing Ivan (2008), AROME showed a very good hour range. Wind at 10m altitude and flow lines in the lower deep convection clearly will therefore capacity for reproducing its track and layers of the atmosphere (see above) show an intense convergent cyclonic flow. The vertical cross-section, made be able to improve forecasts of cyclone intensity. Moreover, the simulated struc- along the blue section line, represents (see below) wind intensites and their rapid variations. For ture delivers a greater degree of realism speed (expressed in m/s) as a function of elevation (in hPa) the first time, simulations of the full in- than lower-resolution models are able to and reveals a sloping eyewall and extreme winds at around tensification phase of a tropical cyclone represent. 900 hPa.

The work undertaken to achieve these goals inclu- passing. The processing of the interaction between des the development of tools that will allow: atmosphere and continental and oceanic surfaces • more in-depth use of satellite observations has been brought under a new module, SURFEX, across the continents and in the presence of and is being progressively coupled to all other sys- clouds and precipitation; tems. Adaptation to future computing architectures • improved processing of statistical uncertainties is progressing. The observation data assimilation for forecast and observed conditions to assimi- algorithm is being completely upgraded under the late observations; Object-Oriented Prediction System project run • improved cloud representation. jointly with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Finally, the operating A number of major technical projects have also environment for the numerical forecasting systems is been launched to prepare the NWP systems for being totally re-designed under a project (Vortex) future challenges and increased efficiency. Systems aimed at accelerating the future transfer of innova- are currently being split into more independent tions between research and operations. modules to facilitate maintenance and knowledge

54 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Experimental resources and improvement of measuring techniques

identify the conditions under which condensation trails form and develop. The purpose of HYPATIE is to develop hygrometers for low humidity levels that are suitable for use by commercial aircraft and which should in particular enable them to detect and avoid areas where condensation trails are likely to appear.

The purpose of the PREVIBOSS project (Short- range forecasting of visibility in the fog life cycle, from ground and satellite observation data), carried out in collaboration with the Institut Pierre-Simon

ontarrède Laplace (IPSL) and the company Hygeos, is to H . improve diagnostics for the fog lifecycle. Météo- M

© France used its aerosol and fog microphysical property measuring resources for the first cam- étéo-France has major experi- paign, which was carried out at SIRTA (Instrumen- mental resources at its disposal for Condensation trails are tal site for atmospheric remote sensing research; furthering the knowledge of meteoro- of particular interest. Palaiseau, École Polytechnique) during the winter M logical hazards – in particular research of 2010/2011. The observed data is currently being aircraft from the SAFIRE unit (Airborne Environ- analysed to identify the microphysical properties ment Research Service) – in partnership with the of fog and link them to the initial properties of National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) aerosols (size distribution and hygroscopicity of and the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) particles). – deployable ground systems, drifting buoys, a hydraulic vein system, permanent measuring points located at mountain sites and a cold chamber On-site instrumentation for for studying the physical characteristics of snow. measuring cloud particles These resources are also made available to resear- in fog. The Palas-Welas instrument measures the chers from other organisations and to cooperative size distribution of cloud projects. droplets between 0.4 and 10µm in diameter. The Droplet Measurement Tech- With the increase in air traffic, condensation trails nologies (DMT) Fog Monitor produced by aircraft at high altitude are of particu- measures the distribution of droplets between 2 and lar interest. Indeed, the gases and particles emitted 50µm. The Particle Volume by aircraft engines contribute to an increase of Monitor (PVM) from Gerber Scientific Inc. measures the greenhouse effect. In response to the require- liquid water content and the ments of the Council for civil aeronautics research, surface integrated by the the SAFIRE unit has carried out microphysical, particles (proportional to the extinction co-efficient) chemical and aerosol component measurements across the same range. on condensation trails produced by airliners as part of the TC2 projects (Condensation trails and climate) and HYPATIE (Precision hygrometers

for aircraft in the troposphere and environmen- . Burnet

tal information). The purpose of TC2 is to better © F

55 7 > The research mission étéo-France M ©

In mountain areas, snow carried by the wind sensing measurements made by the University of causes a redistribution of the snow mantle and a natural resources and life sciences in Vienna have Col du Lac Blanc measuring site (2,700m altitude, change in the quality of the snow on the ground. made it possible to document spatial variations in Isère). Various weather This increases the risk of triggering an avalanche, snow depth to an accuracy of approximately ten measuring masts, flow of snow carried by the wind whether spontaneously or by involuntary human centimetres in the area. This set of data will be and snow depth and the intervention. To study this phenomenon, a measu- used to improve and validate simulations of snow shelter housing the data loggers have been set up ring site has been set up at the Col du Lac Blanc carried by the wind in fine-scale atmospheric re- at the pass itself. The earth (2,700m elevation) site, right next to the Alpe search models such as Méso-NH and operational sensing laser (foreground) d’Huez (Isère) ski resort area. Particle flow was models used to forecast avalanche risk. measures snow mantle depth across the area. observed at various levels. Remote laser earth

International field campaigns to improve forecasting

étéo-France is regularly involved The next major involvements will be in the HYMEX in major international field cam- (2012) and CHARMEX (2013) campaigns, which paigns for advancing the validation are part of the MISTRALS (Mediterranean Integra- M of weather prediction concepts and ted Studies at Regional and Local Scales) launched numerical models. by the National Institute of sciences of the universe

56 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

The “Golfe du Lion” buoy, which is equipped with (INSU) for studying how the environment of the Me- radiative flux and rainfall diterranean Basin is responding to the pressures of sensors. global climate change. In 2011, there was intense activity around preparing for these programmes, scouting for the most appropriate measuring sites and preparing all of the experimental procedures, coordinating with the great number of partners in the Southern and Northern Mediterranean. étéo-France, P. Taburet étéo-France, P. M © Questions FOR

Véu roniq e Ducrocq, HEAD OF THE MESOSCALE ranean. Its main purpose is to further the environment (atmosphere and upper- METEOROLOGY GROUP AT capabilities for forecasting hydro-meteo- ocean) where they develop. The system THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR rological hazards in the Mediterranean will include research aircraft, boundary METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCH (heavy rainfall, flash floods, strong winds layer balloons, radio sounding systems, and drought) and how they develop in research vessels, gliders (mini remote- response to climate change. controlled autonomous submarines) and drifting buoys. Integrating this project with the MISTRALS work should provide us with The measurements will be carried the inter-disciplinary approach required out in synergy with eight study sites for developing integrative analyses ran- strongly affected by Mediterranean ging from the knowledge and forecasting flows (Valence,C atalonia, the Balearics, of current and future climate hazards to Cévennes-Vivarais, Corsica, Liguria- the effects on people and the environ- Tuscany, Central Italy and North-East ment, with an improved quantification Italy), where instrumentation resources and consideration of the uncertainties will also be increased (deployment of associated with each link in the chain for radars, wind profilers, Lidars, GPS, flow

étéo-France, P. Dos étéo-France, P. defining adaptation strategies. and soil humidity measurement network, M

© etc.). Moreover, the “Golfe du Lion” and What experimental resources are being “Côte d’Azur” moored buoys have been implemented here? equipped to measure solar and infrared Météo-France has made a strong com- In the autumn of 2012, a measuring radiative flow and sea surface salinity mitment to the HYMEX programme – campaign will be focused on heavy rain- and temperature up to a depth of 250m, what are the expected outcomes? fall events and flash floods. An entirely in addition to standard atmospheric HYMEX (Hydrological cycle in the Medi- new instrumental system will be de- parameters. All operations will be coordi- terranean Experiment) is a 10-year inter- ployed in the North-East Mediterranean nated from Montpellier, which is where national research programme devoted to to take samples of these rainfall systems the French research aircraft base will be studying the water cycle in the Mediter- and their hydrological impact and the located.

57 8 > Observation and infrastructure

Observation and infrastructure

The information systems master plan (SDSI) and observation master plan (SDO) were adopted at the beginning of 2011, identifying major developments for Météo-France in these two areas for the next five years. Beyond encompassing major IT infrastructure and telecoms projects, the aim of the SDSI is to support the management of a complex IT system.

The new agreement signed between Météo-France and the

Governement Office for Disaster Reduction and Prevention Instruments at the Météo-France facility in (DGPR) also marks a major event for the year and will make Trappes. Foreground: it possible to launch an ambitious programme for expanding anemometer, wind vane. and upgrading meteorological radars in mainland France and Overseas.

In the field of surface observations, improvements are ongoing with the launch of the PACOME programme (Extensive weather observation acquisition and collection platform), the purpose of which is to supplement the existing infrastructure with new automatic AWS (Automatic Weather Stations).

58 MEtEo France - annual report 2011 et abur T rance, P. rance, P. F © Météo-

Surface and upper-air observation

he OBS 2012 project, the purpose of network), the purpose of which is to identify the which was to study the impact of the target network of real-time AWS’s for Overseas. territorial re-organisation in the field of User requirements were documented following T observations, was completed by the end a detailed survey of existing stations. The cho- of 2011. The findings of this project have resulted sen network consists of 90 stations across in the creation of units tasked with ensuring better a range of different management of the development, operation and territories. Speci- maintenance of observation systems within the fic investment regional entities of Météo-France. Regional mainte- will be made in nance units have seen staff uplifts and two additio- this network in nal units were created in 2012, one in Tarbes and coming years to the other in Poitiers. upgrade the fifty or so stations that In January 2011, Météo-France launched the have not been RÉSOME project (Overseas ground observation recently replaced.

59 8 > Observation and infrastructure arrière B . C rance, F rayssinet F © P. © P. © Météo-

Maopoopo weather station RobotSonde system on the island of Futuna, installed in Nîmes. with the wind mast in the foreground, July 2011.

T echnical requirements have been drafted within will be used as important input for equipping five Lidar installed at the Nice the framework of the PACOME project with the main French airport hubs with operational observa- – Côte d’Azur airport to purpose of developing and procuring a new gene- tion systems in the next few years. detect wind shears. ration of modular automatic stations and a national data coordination and collection system. Surface measurement networks in France and Overseas will soon have this new type of automatic station. Delivery of the initial prototype is due by the end of 2012, and experiments will take place on a pilot network in 2013.

In terms of observation at altitude, Météo-France set up its first operational automatic sounding system, RobotSonde, in November 2011 in Nîmes. Major work has also been carried out for auto- mating the Rochambeau station (French Guiana), which is scheduled for mid-2012.

To improve services to the aviation sector, an experiment was carried out at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport between April and September 2011, to assess what contribution a Doppler LIDAR/radar system might make to wind shear detection. Initial results

60 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Weather radar networks

new agreement was signed with the Governement Office forD isaster Reduc- tion and Prevention (DGPR) in 2011 for Aengaging in a programme to renew eight C band radars and installing four X band radars to cover the areas where current visibility via the ARAMIS network (Radar application to sub-synop- tic meteorology) is of mediocre quality. This new multiyear modernisation programme, called PUMA, is part of a Météo-France goals and performance contract for 2012-2016.

In parallel with this, a number of developments have been carried put to take advantage of a number of technology upgrades, such as polari- zation diversity and X band polarimetry, which is being experimented within the RHYTMME project (Hydrometeorological hazards in mountain and Mediterranean areas).

In September, an initial polarimetric processing system was set up to make it possible to correct signal attenuation caused by rainfall and improve the elimination of false echoes caused by the ground, insects and strong variations in humidity. ernus B .

The data concentration and visualisation centre S consisting of over 100 European radars (“OPERA rance,

Data Centre” and “Odyssey”), developed under the F aegis of EUMETNET’s (European Meteorological Network) OPERA programme in collaboration with ©Météo- the UK Met Office was commissioned this year.

Output from overseas radars (Martinique, Gua- Installation of a meteo- deloupe, Réunion Island and New Caledonia) has rological radar to detect precipitations in the South been improved. A second radar was installed in the of the Réunion Island. South of Réunion Island in October at the “Piton Villers” site, under the framework of the hydrology monitoring unit. This S band polarimetric radar will be used in particular for monitoring the watershed of at-risk rivers to the south of the island. the 25th of August 2011 make it possible to better By subjecting wind energy production to the rules take into account and restrict disturbances caused of the Policy of Installations Classified for the Pro- by wind turbines to hydro-meteorological radar tection of the Environmental (ICPE), the Decrees of measurements.

61 8 > Observation and infrastructure

Questions for

Samuel Westrelin, radar network in the Southern Alps. An of hydrology than traditional radars, but HEAD OF THE “RHYTMME” PROJECT initial X band radar was thus installed in they are smaller and easier to install in (“HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS IN 2010 on the summit of mount Maurel rough terrain. Thus, they can help cover MOUNTAIN AND MEDITERRANEAN TERRITORIES”, 2008-2013) at a height of 1,770m, in the Alpes-de- more territory, all the more so because Haute-Provence, and provides cumula- they cost considerably less than other tive rainfall figures in real time. radars (C and S band) in the network.

The second major area of the project Within the Météo-France network, consists in developing natural hazard this type of radar is an exception for a early warning services for local com- number of reasons. It is the first radar to . Martin

F munities and Government agencies. An be installed at such high altitude, in an initial portfolio of services focused on environment that is covered with snow rance,

F “flooding/high water” hazards makes full for several months of the year and sub- use of data from the new radar network. ject to strong winds and violent storms. Since the autumn of 2011, it has been It is a latest generation “Doppler X-band © Météo- handled by a group of analysts via a de- polarimetric radar”; to draw the full dicated Extranet platform designed with benefit from this, new signal processing What are the goals of the RHYTMME new technology, such as web mapping algorithms must be developed – the pre- project and why have a specific project service. cursors of Météo-France’s operational for the south east of France? system of the future. A radar on Mount Due to its mountainous profile and Medi- The project is jointly funded by the Eu- Colombis (1,770 metres) and another on terranean climate, the Provence-Alpes- ropean Union, the Paca region and the the summit of Vars Mayt (2,500 metres) Côte d’Azur (Paca) region is particularly DGPR under the Ecology Minister; it is will be added to this initial installation, in vulnerable to flooding, torrential floods, managed by IRSTEA (formerly 2012 and 2013 respectively. land movements, avalanches and forest CEMAGREF) and Météo-France. fires.T hese natural phenomena are Innovations arising from this pilot project highly influenced by rainfall. A major area What can X band radars contribute are also intended to come to the aid of the RHYTMME pilot project is aimed compared to the traditional radars of the of other vulnerable regions, particularly at supplementing the coverage of the ARAMIS network? in mountain areas, plus other projects existing ARAMIS hydro-meteorological X band radars have less scope in terms concerning flash floods.

The development of basic infrastructures

n the spring of 2011, Météo-France issued Ader, which is under construction, managed by the a call for tender for the acquisition of its future Centre for Research and Higher Education (PRES) high performance computer, with installation of the Midi-Pyrénées region. I scheduled to start in 2013. This latest generation supercomputer will make it possible to develop Specific IT resources were also implemented in applications that have been inaccessible up until 2011 to support the territorial re-organisation of now, such as ensemble AROME forecasting and Météo-France and the new weather forecasting fine-detail versions of this model adapted for structure. This in particular led to carrying out the Nowcasting. It will be partially installed in a shared Synopsis project for the first time, the goal of which computing facility belonging to the Espace Clément is the development and commissioning of a new

The X band radar on Maurel mountain (La Mure-Argens, Alpes-de-Haute-Pro- vence), installed under the RHYTMME project.

design of the forecaster’s workstation, based on IT and phone support the principles of a service-oriented inter-operable unit run by the Île-de architecture. The 2011 version mainly makes it France regional centre possible to view data from the SYMPOSIUM-2 in Saint-Mandé. system, by which forecasters provide guidance data. The advantages of this type of architecture have also become clear, enabling the presentation and manipulation of data from the RHYTMME et abur

project via an Extranet. T

Finally, moving the Headquarters to Saint-Mandé rance, P. rance, P. took place at the same time as the first phase of F a major technological change – the switch to IP

a system based on computer networks linking Météo-France computing computers. This makes telephony integral to work room at Saint-Mandé. stations, making it possible to make calls from computer contact lists, for example. Météo-France offices will ultimately operate via an exchange sys- et abur

tem split-up between Toulouse and Paris, instead T of an exchange in nearly every centre. The switch to IP telephony began with the commissioning rance, P. rance, P. of the Saint-Mandé site and the regional centre F in Lyon. The rollout will continue in 2012/2013 to

63 9 > The international dimension

The international dimension

International exchanges are at the heart of the organisation’s meteorological activity. Météo-France participates fully and is involved in a vast network of cooperative initiatives. The organisation is actively involved in work carried out under the aegis of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), which manages coordination in terms of global technical standards. © Météo-France/CMS/Japan Meteorological Agency © Météo-France/CMS/Japan Meteorological It is also vital for Météo-France to take full advantage of shared European resources, particularly those of the European Satellite image on Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), 16/03/2011 at 03:00 UTC: Japan, five days after the the European Organisation for Meteorological Satellites earthquake and tsunami that devastated part of (EUMETSAT) and the Network of European Meteorological the east coast of the main island. (© Météo-France/ Services (EUMETNET). CMS/Japan Meteorological Agency)

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)

t the 16th World Meteorological the new “Global Framework for Climate Services” Congress held between the 16th of May (GFCS) was decided upon. This involves facilita- and the 8th of June, Frenchman Michel ting access for all users in the economic sector to A Jarraud was appointed as Secretary weather data suited to their needs, particularly for General for a period of four years. François Jacq, adapting to climate change. The WMO Executive permanent representative for France at the World Council is preparing for an extraordinary session of Meteorological Organisation (WMO) was re-elected Congress in 2012, in order to determine the precise to the organisations’ Executive Council. procedures for inter-Governmental implementation of the GFCS. The Congress adopted the WMO strategic plan for the 2012-2015 period. The implementation of The World Meteorological Congress was also an

64 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

opportunity to present the Open WIS software for meteorological community. It will be incorporated access to the future WMO information system WIS. into the initial WIS activities in the spring of 2012. A number of countries expressed interest in its open source approach. The project partners (Météo- France, Met Office, Australian Bureau of Meteorolo- gy, the Korean weather authority and Meteo France Michel Jarraud, Secretary General of the WMO, at the International) decided to make the software, audited 16th World Meteorological and certified by the WMO, available to the Congress. © OMM

Cooperation with European organisations

étéo-France works closely with three European effort in terms of medium-range nu- institutions, which were set up at merical weather prevision, supporting the various State or national weather staff instiga- national weather services; M tion to structure cooperation: • the EUMETNET economic interest group, which gathers the European meteorological services for • the European Organisation for Meteorological conducting activities of joint interest. Satellites (EUMETSAT), which is tasked with defining the implementation of the shared European Météo-France is also involved in the EU Global satellite observation system; Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) • the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather programme. Forecasts (ECMWF), which oversees the

65 9 > The international dimension

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) This year, the ECMWF has issued its 10-year strategy, endorsed at the Council of June 2011 (see Page 67 for an interview with its new Director General, Alan Thorpe, who succeeded Dominique Marbouty). The CEO of Météo-France, François programme develop using airliners and its progres- Jacq, was also re-elected as President of the Sea surface temperature sive extension to include humidity measurement. observed from the Euro- Council, the Center’s decision-making body. pean satellite Metop on the The OPERA programme for the improved use of 20th of December 2011. Map composite radar imagery at the European level is a produced by Météo-France EUMETSAT as part of the SAF entitled « major asset; an initial stage has been reached with The main challenge for EUMETSAT, headed by Oceans and sea ice». the opening of the Franco-British European radar former Météo-France Deputy Director General, data centre at the beginning of 2011 (see Chapter Alain Ratier, since August 2011, is to carry out 8, “Observation and infrastructure”). Finally, under the technical and financial groundwork for future the E-SURFMAR programme, Météo-France was geostationary satellite programmes (Météosat involved in developing a multi-national call for third generation – MTG) and polar orbit satellite tenders for the acquisition of shipborne automatic programmes (EUMETSAT Polar System-Second weather stations. Generation – EPS-SG), which will ensure long-term service continuity. GMES The purpose of the Global Monitoring for Environ- Given that the availability of satellite observations ment and Security (GMES) European initiative is to of increasing quality is essential for the progress provide environmental and safety information - in of numerical weather prevision, Météo-France has particular from satellite observations. helped to define the MTG programme, adopted

by all Member States at the end of February 2011, TSAT In the pre-operational phase of the GMES basic E and the EPS-SG preparatory programme. services, Météo-France was involved in projects for UM E monitoring and forecasting the chemical compo- © Finally, working with the French research institute sition of the atmosphere (MACC-1 followed by for exploitation of the sea (IFREMER) and the Da- MACC-2, coordinated by the ECMWF), and for nish, Norwegian and Dutch meteorological services, Alain Ratier, Director developing operational oceanography (MyOcean-1, General of EUMETSAT Météo-France has been tasked with managing the since August 2011. coordinated by MERCATOR OCÉAN). The MACC second development and operational phase for the project (Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Satellite Applications Facility (SAF): “Oceans and Climate) offers databases on the composition of sea ice”. Using data transmitted by satellites, the the atmosphere observed in recent years, informa- task involves producing precise information on sea tion for monitoring current conditions and forecasts temperature, surface wind and sea ice. at ranges of several days the distribution of princi- pal chemical components. The goal of MyOcean is to create an integrated European capability EIG-EUMETNET for ocean monitoring, analysis and forecasting, Following the definition of the operating regulations based on all existing national competencies and for the Economic Interest Group (GIE) EUMETNET resources. Météo-France is also involved in the (European Meteorological Network) in 2010, continental surface project (GEOLAND) and the discussions began on strategic goals for 2012- emergency management project (SAFER). 2016. Here, Météo-France placed the emphasis on observation programmes, the role of EUMETNET This work will be funded by EU research budgets being to optimise European resources. Thus, given up until 2014. After that, GMES must move into an that this involved upper-air data, Météo-France operational phase, but there is still some uncer- would like to see the E-AMDAR observation tainty with regards to its future funding.

66 MEtEo France - annual report 2011 Ques tions for

professeur Alan Thorpe, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE EUROPEAN for medium-range numerical weather What are the main cooperative initiatives CENTRE FOR MEDIUM-RANGE WEATHER prediction around the world. This will currently underway with Météo-France? FORECASTS (ECMWF) enable us to provide the best possible What are the benefits to your organisa- forecasting products to our Member tion, and how do you see this cooperation States, thereby benefiting society. developing? This will require the development of all The ECMWF and Météo-France have components of the integrated forecas- been working together for a long ting system, including, for example, time – on the IFS-ARPÈGE numerical access to a 10km horizontal resolution weather prediction system itself, for model by 2015. With this system, the example. Another example is provided ECMWF will focus on four areas: reliable by seasonal forecasts, for which, within forecasting of hazardous meteorological the EUROSIP consortium and with other

CMWF phenomena, high quality meteorological partners, we produce multi-model ave- E

© products close to the surface, atmos- rages and ensemble anomalies. In terms pheric composition forecasting and of atmospheric composition forecas- climate monitoring via re-analysis. The ting, Météo-France’s expertise in global implementation of this strategy means chemical modelling is a vital component that, by 2020, the people of Europe will in the construction of the IFS chemical The ECMWF recently adopted a new have operational access to reliable early model. Météo-France also supports the strategy for the next 10 years. What are warnings of severe weather. National ECMWF with the coordination of the the main goals of this strategy and what weather services will be able to provide forecasting aspect of regional air quality would the main benefits be for European customised medium-range forecasts under the European MACC project. In meteorological services? through the direct use of ECMWF model the future, I expect this collaboration to The vision at the basis of the 2011-2020 outputs and they will have improved increase to the benefit of both organisa- strategy involves the ECMWF being advanced warning of changes between tions, but also to the benefit of users of acknowledged as the global leader weather systems. the Météo-France forecasting service.

Other multi-lateral and bi-lateral cooperation

étéo-France maintains bi-lateral Météo-France has supported the activity of Meteo relations with the meteorological France International (MFI) through seeking and services of several countries, mainly in conducting projects, in particular in Saudi Arabia, M Europe and Africa. India, Libya, Egypt and Indonesia, and the Agency for the Safety of Air Navigation (ASECNA) in Africa Météo-France cooperation with the German and Madagascar. The organisation has also been weather service Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD, involved in promoting its products - particularly Germany) and the UK Met Office involves a regular Open WIS, SYNERGIE and CLISYS - that are meeting between the Presidents of the three marketed by MFI. bodies, to coordinate cooperation at the European level. Finally, Météo-France has hosted delegations from the meteorological services of Indonesia, Korea, In 2011, Météo-France continued and upgraded China and Japan. The organisation presented its its training initiatives, accommodating a number of aviation services policy and the technical resources interns from other countries. This mainly involved for its implementation to the Japanese Met Asso- Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, for which hosting ciation to help it optimise and automate its own programmes are organised every year under bi- meteorological aviation services. The SYNERGIE lateral agreements, with the support of the French forecasters’ workstation and climate production Embassies in these countries. Cooperation with tools were demonstrated to the Korean weather countries in Eastern and Northern Europe has also authority for a future call to tender for the renewal remained active, particularly under the ALADIN and of its forecasting systems. HIRLAM NWP consortia.

67 10 > The organisation’s resources

The organisation’s resources

Aiming to provide users with an optimum quality service, the organisation has a policy of responsible management and of using allocated resources with great care. In the light of this, and as stated in the editorial, a particularly high amount of activity took place in 2011, with the implementation of a new goals and performance contract and the start of the territorial re-organisation process, preparing Météo-France for the future.

Notable progress has also been made in terms of the administrative and financial management of the organisation and its HR management policy. Météo-France has also paid special attention to its quality management system (certification renewal) and

Météo-France HQ in Saint-Mandé (Val-de-Marne).

Administrative and financial management serving the organisation’s projects

Certification of accounts certification reflects the progress made by the Météo-France accounts for 2010 were approved organisation in terms of adhering to regulatory and by the Board of Directors in April 2011 and certified accounting standards and comes as a reward for by external auditors without any reservations. This all of the work put in by staff in recent years.

68 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Audited financial management process Alma transfer to Saint-Mandé Internal audits in respect to both internal control Moving Alma [NTF: Name of the bridge next to standards and ISO 9001 were organised in 8 areas old HQ] staff from Paris to the site of the National of the organisation in April and October 2011. The Geographic Institute (IGN) in Saint-Mandé went scope of the audit mainly covered fixed assets and ahead as planned in October. This was achieved respect of transparency and tendering procedures. with great efficiency, thanks to the professionalism These internal audits have revealed areas where of the technical, administrative and logistics teams. compliancy to some procedures can improve. The transfer was also exemplary in environmental terms, mainly due to the energy performance Consolidation and analytical levels of the new building, which allows significant accounting work savings. In terms of realizing technical, regulatory In 2011, serious continuous effort was put into im- and functional improvements to such premises, proving analytical accounting. This mainly involved these buildings comply with current standards of a fine-detail analysis of the cost of structures for accessibility for handicapped persons (PMR), fire allocation to the commercial sector. safety and Health and Safety.

69 10 > The organisation’s resources

Changes in staff expenditure excluding expenses (in millions of Euros).

The organisation’s multiple year real estate strategy scheme (SPSI) On the 10th of May 2011, the supervising authorities/ministries issued their approval of the SPSI submitted by Météo-France in June 2010. The quality of the document and guidelines therein were commended. All of these items were presented to the Board of Directors on the 1st of July 2011.

Implementation of the guidelines began in January 2011 and the main achievements for the year were as follows:

• closing of facilities according to plan, plus handling of administrative issues (government real-estate, legal issues, refurbishing of new premises, relations with central clearing house of T rends and distribution of organisation resources, Government Assets, etc.); by origin. • development of a multi-year programme of energy and handicapped person accessibility audits; • update of accommodation occupancy regulations in Overseas departments; • reduction of accommodation stock; • production of the 2011-2012 plan for asset transfers, especially Overseas, with an offer of re-employment under local investment; • set up a steering committee to define a scenario for optimising the reuse of the Trappes site in 2012 ; • operational project optimisation services in Main- land France (renovation, new extensions, future of dormitories, etc.).

The financial situation Expenditure for 2011 rose to €389M – an 8.35% increase compared to 2010. This increase covers four main areas:

• an increase in staff costs (+1.9%), mainly related to the increase in pension contributions; • a 10.25% increase in contributions to the European organisation EUMETSAT related to the launch of a third generation meteorological satellite programme;

70 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

• careful management of operating expenditure, Revenue: overall performance is in line with fore- which is reduced if we neutralise exceptional ex- casts. penditure for transferring our HQ to Saint-Mandé; The year closed with a €2.7M deficit – a little • investment expenditure increased by €18.8M better than expected. Working capital of €7.3M is (+147%), totalling €31.7M required.

Human resources

n 2011, human resource management (HRM) Work on the modernisation of HRM tools and pro- work at Météo-France was marked by a number cesses was accelerated in 2011, in particular with of major issues, particularly with regard to sup- the implementation of new functionalities in the I port for restructuring, the modernisation of HRM SITERH HRM software package, making collected tools and processes, increasing organisational auto- data more reliable, a study of pay monitoring tools, nomy with regard to payroll and the implementation setting up interfaces with the management tools of of social measures under the goals and performance the the Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) and the or- contract for 2009-2011. ganisation’s working hours management software and finally the opening of an “employee portal” at Under the “AIRT” project (Individualized support for the end of the year, giving everybody access to territorial restructuring), support for any employee their own data. affected by a unit closure was pursued in 2011. This is intended to allow each individual, at least In January 2011, Météo-France began managing 6 months before the closure, to take up a new post the payroll of its administrative staff, a service suited to his or her skills, wishes and restrictions. previously provided by DGAC. This also facilitates Initiatives also cover the definition and organisation the organisation’s salary expenditure calculca- of the necessary training appropriate to the individual tions. This will be expanded in 2012 with workers’ career path, adapting working hours to particular salaries. cases that require it and organising the compensa- tion provided for by regulations.

Actual staff numbers (people) Women men Total staff as on the 31st of December 2011 Managing staff 36 155 191

Engineers and researchers 253 641 894

Technicians 359 1459 1818

Support staff (admin and workers) 303 286 589

Total 951 2541 3492

71 10 > The organisation’s resources

Being the final year of the 2009-2011 goals and or 4 different categories: ministerial–level techni- performance contract, work was also completed in cal advisory committee, the organisation’s own Age pyramid for 2011 on statutory changes planned to benefit staff. technical advisory committee and joint committees. Météo-France staff (as on 31/12/2011). Alignment with Ministry counterparts was carried The operation was carried out entirely by corres- out for certain categories of technical staff. pondence and, at the end of the voting on the 20th of October, the counts allowed implementation of Finally, there was also a major professional election new health,safety and working conditions com- for civil servants in 2011. A ballot was held for mittees as well as technical advisory committees. some 3,600 Météo-France employees to vote in 3

An organisation that cares about the quality of its services and its environmental footprint

he quality management system (QMS) • achieving compliance of the “quality” goals of the certification of Météo-France as a QMS with the goals and performance contract; public organisation was renewed in 2011. • clear separation between internal audit functions T Work was mainly focused on preparing for and internal control functions; major changes due to become operational on the • deeper appreciation of risk and control measu- 1st of January 2012: res.

View of the western facade of the Météo-France HQ in Saint-Mandé.

The QMS simplification policy was defined during a management seminar in May 2011 and will be Entrance hall of the implemented throughout the 2012-2016 goals and Météo-France HQ in performance contract. Saint-Mandé.

Tri-annual renewal audits were carried out on the national coordination QMS and on individual QMS’s of Observations Systems department, at the Met School (ENM), Central Production Department and three Regional offices in the West, North East and South West. The positive results from these audits have led to certification renewal.

In terms of environmental impact, the track record at the end of the contract is looking very good: air transportation was reduced by 8.65% overall for 2011, making a total of 35.96% throughout the entire contract; the automobile fleet was reduced by 8.68% in 2011, that is, by 29 vehicles.

Finally, moving the Météo-France HQ to Saint- Mandé, to a building with good energy efficiency will enable the organisation to reduce its environ-

73 Appendixes

Appendixes

Scientific Advisory committee as on the 31st of December 2011

PERSONS CHOSEN ORGANISATION

Madame Anny CAZENAVE (présidente) LEGOS

Monsieur Jean-Dominique CREUTIN LTHE

Madame Danièle HAUSER LATMOS

Monsieur Andrew LORENC UK Met Office

Monsieur Robert VAUTARD LSCE

Monsieur Jean-Pascal van YPERSELE Catholic University of Louvain

PERSONS DESIGNATED BY THE ORGANISATIONS ORGANISATION

Madame Isabelle BENEZETH MEDDTL

Monsieur Daniel MARTIN MESR

Monsieur Pierre HUGUET DGA

Monsieur Thierry LEBEL IRD

Monsieur Didier RENAUT CNES

Monsieur Frank ROUX CNRS

Monsieur Yves BRUNET INRA

Monsieur Patrick VINCENT IFREMER

74 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

Board of Trustees as on the 31st of December 2011

(The representatives are given in accordance with the order of Decree No. 93-861 of the 18th of June 1993 which is the founding decree of Météo-France).

Representatives of the State Representatives of the State Nominated by the Minister of: (title holders) (deputies)

Lieutenant General Didier CASTRES Colonel Danny LAUDE-BAZIN Defence

Monsieur Georges-André MORIN Madame Rosine TRAVERS Agriculture

(Awaiting nomination) Monsieur Olivier GIANNONI Finance

Monsieur Philippe PUJES Monsieur Marc BELLOEIL Research

Monsieur Laurent MICHEL Madame Anne-Marie LEVRAUT Environment

(En attente de nomination) (Awaiting nomination) The Interior and jointly the Minister of Overseas Departments and Territories

Monsieur Maurice GEORGES Monsieur Philippe PAOLANTONI Transport

Madame Dominique DRON Madame Régine BRÉHIER Transport

Qualified person Function Organisation

Monsieur François JACQ President-CEO Météo-France

Monsieur Nicolas BOULOUIS Vice-President of the Council, Master Council of State (highest Adminitrative Body)

Monsieur Laurent BARTHELEMY Chief Operating Officer Air France

Monsieur Jean-Yves PERROT President-CEO IFREMER

Representatives of the personnel of Météo-France Representatives of the personnel of Météo-France (title holders) (deputies)

Madame Sophie DESMARIEUX Monsieur Lionel ALTHUSER

Monsieur Serge TABOULOT Monsieur Sylvain MONDON

Madame Lydie AUDONNET-FALGA Monsieur Gérard REY

Madame Christine BERNE Monsieur José CHEVALIER

Monsieur Ludovic MAGNOULOUX Madame Cécile GUYON

Monsieur Antoine LASSERRE-BIGORRY Monsieur Gilbert GUYOMARC’H

Members of the executive board Function Organisation

Monsieur Jean GANIAGE Government Financial controller Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing - DGCA

Monsieur Christian MENOU Chief Accounting Officer Météo-France

Monsieur Olivier GUPTA Deputy director general Météo-France

Monsieur Claude DUÉE Deputy director general Météo-France

Madame Agnès MOUCHARD Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Météo-France

Monsieur Christophe MAOCEC Director of strategy Météo-France

75 Appendixes

Glossary of acronyms and abbreviations

AB3: Private commercial general television channel CMT: Territorial centre for the French-speaking community of Belgium CNES: National Centre for Space Studies ADP: Airport authority for Paris airports CNP: National forecasting centre AÉRES: Agency for the assessment of research CNRM: National centre for meteorological research and higher education CNRS: National Centre for Scientific Research AIRT: Individual support for the territorial reorganisation CORDEX: Coordinated Regional climate Downscaling of Météo-France Experiment ALADIN: Limited area model, dynamic adaptation, COZ: Governement operations centre for large international development: ALADIN is also a scientific geographical zone cooperation consortium in the field of atmosphere CRA: Aeronautical attachment centre modelling CROCUS: Numerical simulation model of ANR: National research agency the snow mantle APIC: Intense rain warning system CTI: commission for the certification of engineering at local authority level degrees ARAMIS: Name of radar network for mainland France CVH: Hydrological monitoring centre AROME: Meso-scale high resolution non-hydrostatic CVM: Meteorological monitoring centre numerical model of Météo-France DEAL: Gov. Agency for environment, development ARPÈGE: Global scale numerical model and housing of Météo-France DGA: French armaments procurement agency ASECNA: Air Navigation Safety Agency in Africa DGAC: Civil Aviation Agency/Authority AWS : Automatic Weather Station DGPR: Government Office forD isaster Reduction BKMG: Indonesian agency for climate, meteorology, and Prevention and earth sciences DSAC: civil aviation safety authority BRL: National development company of the DWD: German meteorological service Bas-Rhône and Languedoc E-AMDAR: EUMETNET- Aircraft Meteorological Data BTP: Building construction and public works Relay programme CDM: Collaborative Decision Making ECMWF: European centre for medium range weather CDM@CDG: Decision-making system set up forecasts at Charles de Gaulle airport. EIG: Economic Interests Group CDM@LYS: Decision-making system set up ENM: National school of meteorology at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport. EPS-SG: EUMETSAT Polar System-Second CEMAGREF: National centre for agricultural Generation machinery, rural engineering, waterways and forests; EQUIPEX: Excellence equipment renamed IRSTEA in November 2011 ERASMUS: European Community Action Scheme for CERFACS: European centre for research and the Mobility of University Students advanced training in scientific computation (based E-SURFMAR: EUMETNET-Surface Marine programme in Toulouse) EUFAR: European Facility for Airborne Research CHARMEX: Chemistry-Aerosol Mediterranean EUMETNET: Network of twenty-nine European Experiment meteorology services CLIMSEC: Study of impact of climate change on EUMETSAT: European organisation for the operation drought of meteorological satellites CLISYS: International climatology software package EUR-ACE: European - Accreditation of Engineering CMIP5: Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 programmes CMIR: Regional centre EUROSIP: European multi-model Seasonal

76 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

to Inter-annual Prediction LSCE: Laboratory for climate and environment sciences FABEC: Functional Airspace Block - Europe Central LTHE: Laboratory for the study of transfers FMI: Finnish meteorological service in hydrology and the environment FIR: Flight Information Region MACC: Monitoring Atmospheric Composition FWI: Fire weather index and Climate GEODE-4D: Geography for defence – 4 domains MEDDTL: Minister of Ecology, Sustainable GEOLAND: Geophysical Land surface products at development, Transport and Housing regional and global scales MEPRA: Expert model for forecasting avalanche risk GFCS : Global Framework for Climate Services MERCATOR OCEAN: Cooperative programme for GMES: Global Monitoring for Environment and Security operational oceanography HIRLAM: High Resolution Limited Area Model; MÉSO-NH: Meso-scale numerical model – HIRLAM is also a scientific cooperation consortium in Non-hydrostatic the field of atmospheric modelling MESR: Ministry for Higher Education and Research HRM: Human resources management MÉTÉO-FRANCE RÉGIE: Subsidiary of Météo-France HYMEX: Hydrological cycle in the Mediterranean MÉTÉORAGE: Operator of the French lightning Experiment detection network HYPATIE: Precision hygrometers for aircraft in the METEOSAT: European geostationary meteorological troposphere and environmental information satellite IAEA: International Atomic Energy Agency METNEXT: Subsidiary of Météo-France and CDC ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization Climat-Groupe ICPE: Installation classified for environmental MET OFFICE: UK national meteorological service protection METOP: European meteorological satellite in polar IESO: International Earth Science Olympiad orbit IFREMER: French research institute for exploration MFI: Meteo France International, subsidiary of the sea of Météo-France IFS: Integrated Forecasting System MISTRALS: Mediterranean Integrated Studies IGN: National Geographic Institute, renamed at Regional and Local Scales the National institute for geographical and forest MOCAGE: Large-scale atmospheric chemistry model information in 2012 MODCOU: Coupled surface-underground hydrological INP: National Polytechnic Institute model INPT: National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse MTG: Third generation Météosat INRA: National Institute for Agricultural Research MyOCEAN: project to define and set up an integrated INVS: National institute for health monitoring European capacity for monitoring, analysis and IPCC: Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change prediction of the oceans IPSL: Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace NEMO: Nucleus for European Modelling of Ocean IPSN: Institute of nuclear protection and safety OOPS: Object-Oriented Prediction System IRD: Institute for (overseas) research and development OPERA: Operational Programme for the Exchange IRSTEA: National research institute of science and of weather Radar information technology for environment and agriculture (new name OPTIMA: Production tool for aggregate sections of the CEMAGREF) of road-weather information ISBA: Soil-biosphere-atmosphere interactions model NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organisation ISO: International Standards Organisation PACOME: New generation of AWS LABEX: Excellence laboratory PISCES: Pelagic Iteraction Scheme for Carbon and LACY: Laboratory for the atmosphere and cyclones Ecosystem Studies (Réunion Island) PMR: (Handicapped) person with reduced mobility LATMOS: Laboratory for atmospheres, mediums and PREDICT SERVICES: Subsidiary of Météo-France space observations providing disaster management decision support LEGOS: Laboratory for space studies in geophysics PRES: Higher Education and Research Centre and oceanography PREVIBOSS: Short-term predictability of visibility

77 Appendixes

variations in the lifecycle of fog, using ground and satellite observation data PUMA: multi-year programme to modernise the ARAMIS radar network RCP: Representative Concentration Pathways RÉSOME: Overseas ground observation network) R&D: Research and development RGAA: General Accessibility Referential for Administrations RHYTMME: Hydro-meteorological hazards in mountainous and Mediterranean territories RTBF: Belgian French-speaking Radio-Television SAF: Satellite Application Facility (EUMETSAT) SAFER: Services and applications for emergency response SAFIRE: office for French instrumented aircraft for environmental research SAFRAN: Analysis system for atmospheric forcing SCAMPEI: Climate scenarios for mountain areas: extreme phenomena, snow cover and uncertainties SCHAPI: Gov. hydro-meteorological central office for flood forecasting SDIS: Departmental fire and rescue service SDO: Observation master plan SDSI: Information system master plan SESAR: Single European Sky Air traffic management Research SHOM: Naval hydrographical and oceanographic service SIGMET: Significant Meteorological information SIM: SAFRAN-ISBA-MODCOU (chain for hydrological modelling of France) SIRTA: Instrumental site for atmospheric remote sensing research SITERH: Information system for processing employment and human resources SMS: Short Message Service SPC: River flooding forecasting service SPSI: Multi-year property strategy plan SURFEX: Externalised surface SYMPOSIUM: Collaborative Guidance (Weather) forecasting system SYNERGIE: Name of Forecaster’s workstation WCRP: World Climate Research Programme WMO: World Meteorological Organisation

78 MEtEo France - annual report 2011

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