Meteorological research and development
At the Meteorology research unit, we are just over forty researchers and specialists with expertise spanning meteorology, theoretical physics and atmospheric chemistry to mathematics and computer science.
We work with observational data, meteorological analyses, and the development of numerical models for regional weather forecasts in the Nordic region, as well as remote sensing, climate analysis, and air quality from urban to global scales. This work is based on knowledge in classical computational systems, numerical modelling, and process understanding, and is guided by a strong commitment to scientific excellence.
Our research and development enhance the scientific basis of numerical models, refine the representation of physical processes in the atmosphere and near the land surface, increase model resolution, and integrate data from new sources. We continuously advance our activities through developments in high-resolution simulations, data assimilation, and digital twins. At the same time, we explore and integrate AI and machine learning methods in areas and processes where they add value.
Our specialists have deep knowledge of various observation techniques and the use of such data, including radar and satellite systems. Our collective expertise contributes to expanding the use of remote sensing data both in model development and in a wide range of meteorological and climatological analyses.
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Our research areas give focus and in-depth knowledge
The five research areas focus around questions that bring great benefit to SMHI's operations and society at large:
Atmospheric chemistry and air pollution models
Focus on atmospheric physical and chemical processes
Climate monitoring and research using remote sensing
More climate knowledge from satellite and radar
Nowcasting and remote sensing
New types of data to short-term forecasts
Atmospheric and surface processes
Research for more accurate forecasts
Urban climate and air quality
Heat and air quality in cities
CAMEO and CAMAERA – Two research projects developing Copernicus atmospheric service
The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) monitors the composition of the atmosphere. Now two European research projects will develop the service. SMHI is one of the partners.Green4Extremes – Green infrastructure for synergetic climate adaptation to extremes events
The Green4Extremes project will conduct an integrated assessment of how green infrastructure can provide synergistic effects that counteract both flooding and heat stress in cities while making cities more pleasant to live in.GlobAerBiom – Global biomass-burning aerosols and their aging processes: Insights from the modern era satellites
Biomass burning has major impacts on health, climate and society globally. Using satellite data, researchers will now investigate how aerosols from forest and agricultural fires are dispersed and aged in the atmosphere.CERISE – Research project to improve climate reanalysis and seasonal forecast systems
CERISE aims to enhance the quality of C3S climate reanalyses and seasonal forecast products.CARRA2 – A new generation Copernicus pan-Arctic regional climate reanalysis
In 2021 Copernicus Climate Change Service released the dataset CARRA1, with a 30-year reanalysis of the Arctic climate (1991-2021). The CARRA dataset is now updated monthly, providing new data with three or fewer months latency. The second phase of the project has started, which will extend the dataset to cover the per...
A important part of our daily work is the development of numerical computational models. We are engaged in research and development to continuously improve these systems through higher resolution, more advanced process descriptions and new data sources.
All of us at the meteorological research unit
The unit is led by Jorge Amorim, together with Jelena Bojarova and Cecilia Bennet.
We publish our research results in international peer-reviewed journals and in SMHI reports. The two most recent publications from SMHI's meteorological research are:
Evaluation of Modeled Carbon Monoxide and Methane Columns in the High Arctic Using TCCON Measurements
Erin McGee, Kimberly Strong, Kaley A. Walker, Cynthia Whaley, Rigel Kivi, Justus Notholt, Gabriel Cassidy, Stephen Beagley, Rong-You Chien, Srdan Dobricic, Xinyi Dong, Joshua S. Fu, Michael Gauss, Wanmin Gong, Joakim Langner, Kathy S. Law, Louis Marelle, Tatsuo Onishi, Naga Oshima, David A. Plummer, Luca Pozzoli, Jean-Christophe Raut, Svetlana Tsyro
Assessment of elevated road traffic pollution on roadside trees and vegetation in urban environments
Avnish Chauhan, Gaurav Pandey, Man Vir Singh, Muneesh Sethi, Prateek Gururani, Amit Awasthi, Shshank Chaube, Abhishek Lodh
AI tool opens the door to even better precipitation forecasts
The production of SMHI’s precipitation forecasts is now being enhanced with new technology. The introduction of an AI model marks a step forward in the process of creating these forecasts.New insights into clouds and climate change in the Amazon region
A new scientific article provides important insights into how clouds are linked to land surface changes and to natural variability in the Amazon region. At the same time, it highlights how challenging it is to study the connections between different climate variables in the Amazon. The article originates from a master’...
Cleaner air and less cloud cover increase the potential for solar energy
By studying changes in surface solar radiation and cloud cover, researchers have found that the potential for producing more solar energy has increased. The increase is strongest in April and June in Sweden and in large parts of Europe. The results are published in a scientific journal as a ‘Highlight paper’.