What Global Atmospheric Models are available?

  • ECMWF IFS 0,1° (9 km) 0.25° (28 km), 0.4° (44 km), 1° (111 km)
    Global model from the European Centre (ECMWF). Often considered the most reliable for medium-range forecasts.
    Resolution: from 29 km up to 111 km
    Forecasts up to 10 days
    👉 A key reference for offshore navigation. Prefer the high-resolution version (0,1°) for a small area, (0.25°) with a good connection for a larger area, or a lighter version (0.4° or 1°) when bandwidth is limited and the area very large. 
  • ECMWF AIFS 0.25° (28 km), 1° (111 km)
    Brand-new model from the European Centre (ECMWF) using artificial intelligence.
  • Resolution: 28 km or 111 km
  • Forecasts up to 10 days
  • 👉 Interesting for testing AI model performance and having an alternative to traditional models. Improving day by day — already likely better than ECMWF IFS and GFS for forecasts beyond 7 days.

 

  • GDPS (GEM) 0.15° (17 km)
    Global model produced by Environment Canada. One of the finest-resolution global models available.
    Resolution: 17 km
    Forecasts up to 10 days
    👉 Relevant for North Atlantic crossings and high-latitude sailing near the Arctic.
  • ICON Global 0.25° (28 km)
    Global model from DWD (German Meteorological Service).
    Resolution: 28 km
    Forecasts up to 7 days
    👉 A solid alternative to GFS and ECMWF IFS, particularly for sailing in Europe and the Mediterranean.
  • Arpege Global 0.25° (28 km)
    Global model from Météo-France.
    Resolution: 28 km
    Forecasts up to 10 days
    👉 Useful for offshore sailing near France, in the Atlantic or Mediterranean, as it is well tuned for these areas.
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