Numerical Weather Prediction at 60: A journey of innovation at the Met Office

Numerical Weather Prediction at 60: A Journey of Innovation at the Met Office

Sixty years ago, the Met Office began a transformative journey that revolutionized weather forecasting in the United Kingdom and beyond. The introduction of numerical weather prediction (NWP) in 1965 marked a major milestone, ushering in an era of scientific progress, technological innovation, and increasingly accurate forecasts.

From Early Experiments to Operational Forecasts

The story of NWP at the Met Office started in the early 1950s. Pioneering scientists like Fred H. Hinds, guided by John S. Sawyer, conducted the first experimental forecasts using the EDSAC computer at Cambridge. Although limited by the technological constraints of the time, these initial efforts laid the foundation for future advancements.

In 1959, the installation of the Ferranti Mercury computer, known as ‘Meteor’, at Dunstable marked a key milestone by providing the first computer dedicated solely to NWP research.

On 2 November 1965, the Met Office produced its first operational computer forecast, a moment that received widespread media attention and signaled the start of a new era in weather prediction.

The real breakthrough arrived with the English Electric KDF9 computer, ‘Comet’, at Bracknell, enabling the first operational forecasts and marking a significant leap forward in weather prediction capabilities.

Advancing Science and Technology

The decades following 1965 witnessed rapid progress in both meteorological science and computing technology, fueling continuous improvements in forecast accuracy and reliability.

"The adoption of numerical weather prediction marked a turning point, ushering in an era of scientific advancement, technological innovation and ever-improving forecast accuracy."

As the Met Office celebrates 60 years of NWP, it reflects on these achievements while looking forward to an exciting future of further innovations.

Author's summary: The Met Office’s 60-year journey with numerical weather prediction showcases remarkable advancements in science and technology that have revolutionized weather forecasting and continue to shape its future.

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Wired-Gov — 2025-11-05