Standards: Resolution Time Position Temp. Precipit. Clouds  Radiation  Wind  Others... Symbols Language

Actualisation

On the meteograms, the time of the last update is displayed in UTC in one corner, usually close to the location name.
The weather information on the homepage (local forecast p☼int) consists of data from several update cycles, therefore the time of the last update can not be displayed. However, the latest weather information is shown in the "actual" Section (NOW), which has usually a local time stamp. The included information differs, depending on the selected location.

Update

FORECAST INITIALISATION is the time at which the forecast calculation is started. It is typically 0:00 and 12:00 UTC, if not indicated otherwise. Inititation is based on new updates  of weather "assimilation" data, which describe the latest measured state of the atmosphere over the area of interest.

FORECAST UPDATE is the time at which the forecast data are updated, which occurs 4-9 hours after INITIALISATION. The timing of the update depends on the time necessary for calculating a new "model run", and is earlier for forecasts with lower resolution and later for higher resolution forecasts. A "late" update may therefore provide a better forecast than an "early" update, if the forecast is made for an area with large differences in topography (mountains) or land surface (sea shore), where higher resolution leads to substantial improvements in accuracy.

Update timings

FORECAST UPDATE timings are indicated on each table or diagram, either in local time or UTC.

The display of weather data depends on 3 processes:

1. meteorological models, 
2. meteorological observations and 
3. post processing. 

These processes update information in diverse time intervals.

ProcessfrequencyDisplay
Model runs2-4x /dayin each diagram or on page (bottom)
Observations4-24x/dayBesides updated parameter (marked with *)
Post-processing1-360x/dayonly for special services

Model runs

Update timings for model runs are typically displayed within each diagram or on the page on which the data are presented.

Information updated with observations (current data) is marked by "*":
Data from special post-processing is subject to individual treatment. For explanations, consult the Help pages (?) of each diagram or presentation. 

Minimum number of updates is 2x per day, current day data are updated 4 to 24 times a day, special forecasts even more frequently.

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