A major focus of the meeting was the WeatherGenerator prototype, which integrates atmosphere, ocean, and stratosphere into a single framework. While this prototype forms the backbone of the project, it also highlights key challenges. Achieving stable forecasts over longer timescales remains a central bottleneck, reflecting inherent limits of current modelling approaches. Despite challenges around computing resources and data infrastructure, the meeting highlighted steady progress. The team has created new datasets that allow improved coupling of atmospheric and oceanic processes. Initial tests incorporating stratospheric chemistry tracers have been conducted, and alternative modeling strategies – such as diffusion-based approaches – are being explored in parallel. Strengthened evaluation methods and closer collaboration between work packages are further supporting advancement.

Looking ahead, the consortium agreed to focus efforts on refining the WeatherGenerator prototype, targeting a stable release by 2026. Upcoming priorities include achieving monthly-to-seasonal rollouts across all compartments, integrating climate forcing, and developing downscaling applications that link large-scale climate models with regional impacts. These efforts aim to provide both scientifically robust insights and practical tools for understanding and preparing for climate variability and change.

Der Beitrag HClimRep Annual Meeting in Cologne, 01-02 September 2025 erschien zuerst auf HClimRep.