The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) began operationally using cloud profiling radar data from the EarthCARE satellite on June 10, 2026. This marks the first time cloud radar data from space have been assimilated into a global weather forecasting system.

The ECMWF is now assimilating the data into its Integrated Forecasting System. The European Space Agency (ESA) developed the EarthCARE satellite to measure clouds and aerosols. The satellite, which launched in May 2024, carries four instruments.

EarthCARE is a joint venture between the ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). JAXA provided the cloud profiling radar instrument. Scientists at ECMWF worked with ESA and JAXA engineers to ensure the quality of the data. Partners at the Dutch national meteorological service KNMI and McGill University in Canada also contributed to the mission.

"This is the first operational assimilation of cloud radar observations by any weather forecasting centre," said Florian Pappenberger, Director-General of ECMWF. "The new data from the cloud profiling radar is a crucial step for reducing uncertainties in how clouds influence the weather and, as ever, international collaboration has been at the heart of EarthCARE."

Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes for ESA, said, "EarthCARE is an Earth Explorer mission – research missions that are at the cornerstone of ESA's FutureEO programme."

Takuji Kubota, an EarthCARE Mission Scientist, said, "ECMWF's initiatives in collaboration with the ESA are expected to improve the accuracy of forecasts for extreme weather events such as typhoons and heavy rainfall, and to strengthen early warning capabilities for floods and landslides."