1. Research to operations (R2O)
S2S phase 2 plans
Research to operations (R2O)
Caio Coelho
Arun Kumar

2. Proposed sub-project aiming to enhance operational infrastructure
Context: The transition of S2S research efforts and developments to operations will be a fundamental aspect to be addressed in phase 2 of the S2S project
Proposed sub-project aiming to enhance operational infrastructure
Sub-project title: Research to Operations (R2O) and S2S Forecast and Verification Products Development
Sub-project would work in coordination with joint CBS-CCl Inter-Programme Expert Team on Operational Predictions from Sub-seasonal to Longer time Scales (IPET-OPSLS) and the Joint Working Group on Forecast Verification Research (JWGFVR)

3. R2O transition will require efforts in two important aspects
a) Research for testing and developing methodologies for calibration, combination, verification and generation of forecast products
b) Coordination with the relevant WMO technical commissions to define the standards and protocols for operational implementation and exchange of S2S forecasts such that by the end of the Phase 2 of the S2S, the infrastructure related to the data exchange to support research can be transitioned into the operational domain. Coordination through the IPET-OPSLS. Goal: finalize the transition by the end of Phase 2 of S2S so that the WMO Lead Center for Long-Range Forecast Multi-model ensemble (LC-LRFMME) can obtain the S2S forecasts directly from the WMO Global Producing Centers (GPCs) and develop the capability for delivering S2S forecasts and reforecasts, independently of the S2S research database developed in Phase 1 of the S2S project. Data exchange envisioned to follow the paradigm of what is currently done for the seasonal forecast exchange among GPCs

4. Proposed sub-project activities
Promote the development and inter-comparison of different methodologies for forecast calibration, multi-model combination, verification, and forecast formats (e.g. probability of threshold exceedance). This will build on the work of the current (Phase I) S2S Verification and Products Sub-project
Make recommendations for operational centres to harmonize their real-time and re-forecast set-ups to facilitate S2S forecast calibration, multi-model combination and verification

5. Proposed sub-project activities
Develop S2S training resources and coordinate/organize a series of capacity building training events
Work with IPET-OPSLS to (a) develop standards to define criteria for the designation of GPCs for S2S Predictions, and (b) establish standards for data exchange and delivery of S2S hindcasts and real-time forecasts to the WMO LC-LRFMME in support of the objectives of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFSC), Regional Climate Centers (RCCs), National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and Severe Weather Forecast Demonstration Projects (SWFDPs). The envisioned deliverables will be the formalization of the designation criteria and data exchange standards in the WMO (Global Data Processing and Forecasting System) GDPFS manual

6. Further comments/questions
How can we better connect with RCCs and NMHSs in Phase 2? It requires funded activity, which the Africa sub-project tried, but was mostly unsuccessful. We had success with a training program with ASMC Singapore, which might be built on. Can WMO help with co-funding?
There will be an online products platform for NOAA’s SubX in IRI Data Library. Could something similar be done for S2S? Again needs funding