Satellite derived product benchmarking and empirical model development for estimating photosynthetically active radiation at high latitudes
Sebastian Zainali, Silvia Ma Lu, Tomas Landelius, Pietro Elia Campana
Huvudinnehåll
Research for a sustainable society in a changing world
Several sectors in the society are dependent on or influenced by weather and water. Increased requirements with regard to the environment and a climate in change provide new prerequisites. The SMHI research department provides tools, knowledge and decision guidance for the society.
Our research provides answers to current societal issues
SMHI's research and development creates societal benefits in Sweden and internationally. Since the whole of society is affected by changes in weather, water and climate, research and advanced modelling are required to predict developments and create a resilient society. Our research helps decision-makers at many levels of society to make informed and science-based decisions for a future-proof and safe society.
Our research and development provides science-based knowledge. This research is essential for society to fulfil the global goals of the UN's 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
We work primarily on applied research and development. This means that we conduct research to explain and create knowledge that can help solve current problems and challenges in society. Together with various societal stakeholders, we formulate research questions in a co-creative process that makes us responsive to societal needs. We share our results, data and scientific articles openly so that as many people as possible can use them.
Our collective knowledge covers the Earth system
SMHI's researchers have wide-ranging and comprehensive expertise in meteorology, hydrology, oceanography and climate. The work is organised into four research units, each with its own subject focus. All units possess extensive knowledge about the effects of a changing climate. Together, they form a strong research environment that builds new knowledge every day for a sustainable society and environment
Meteorology
Research and development in weather forecasting, climate analysis, atmospheric processes and air quality.
Hydrology
We create, compile and convey knowledge about fresh water on different scales.
Oceanography
Marine research with a focus in marine biology, observations, numerical modelling and remote sensing.
Climate at the Rossby Centre
Research and development around the climate system and for climate modelling.
Explore SMHI data with open access for research and development
International co-operation
National and international collaborations strengthen our research
In the research community, collaboration is a natural feature of our daily work. Co-operation strengthens knowledge development and spreads knowledge across the world. At SMHI, we participate in many national and international research networks.
We publish our research in international peer-reviewed journals and in SMHI reports. The two most recent publications from SMHI's research department are:
Future projections of wet and dry spells in southern Sweden
Dong An, Jonas Olsson, Du Yiheng, Johanna Sorensen, Cintia B. Uvo, Peter Berg
News
New AI model aims to improve forecasts for clouds and wind
Recent years’ advances in AI-based weather forecasting show that AI methods can create concrete societal benefits. In a new research project, SMHI will use AI to meet the need for faster forecast production, delivering more up-to-date forecasts for clouds and wind. Key concepts are machine learning, data-driven methods...
Report from conference in Vietnam highlights the need for robust climate information
Vietnam offered both storms and flooding when the “Asia Climate Risk and Impact Strategic Workshop” was held in Quy Nhon in late November. SMHI co-organised the workshop with the aim of beginning to outline proposals for pilot projects to strengthen interdisciplinary climate collaboration and knowledge exchange across ...
Digital Twin to Help Cities Brace for Extreme Weather
When a sudden cloudburst floods a neighborhood or a heatwave lingers for days, the impact is felt locally, not just on a regional map. Yet until now, decision-makers have lacked tools to understand what extreme weather really looks like at the urban scale. A new research project, Urban Extreme Climate Adaptation Digita...
Flood warning system in place in Denmark – successful collaboration between DMI and SMHI
For three years, SMHI has supported our sister authority DMI in Denmark in developing a Danish warning system for flooding in lakes and rivers. The initiative has now reached a major goal with the launch of a system that has already been useful in connection with the extreme rain that occurred in July 2025, just weeks ...
SMHI leads new research project on future Scandinavian heatwaves
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe across northern Europe, affecting public health, agriculture, forestry, and energy production. A new SMHI-led research project will combine satellite observations, climate modelling and artificial intelligence to strengthen both seasonal forecasts and multidecadal project...
Contact us at the SMHI Research department
SMHI Research and development
Head of SMHI Research and development: Helén Andersson
Research that anchors SMHI
SMHI is based on scientific foundations. This means that everything SMHI presents is rooted in scientific processes. We have a number of services based on the results of our research, which play a central role in, for example, studies and monitoring of the ongoing climate change in Sweden.
Knowledge about climate change impact
SMHI visualises a wealth of data on future climate. Services are based on data and models from research and development.
International development cooperation
SMHI contributes to global sustainable development through international development cooperation. The overall aim is that all countries shall have an equal capacity to handle and plan for the effects of weather, water and climate.
Value chain from research to weather forecast
SMHI's forecast and warning service provides information for the protection of life and property. Using numerical weather prediction models, SMHI issues weather forecasts and warnings.