Atmospheric Insights
Exploring the science, technology, and history behind Denmark's national weather and climate service.
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About DMI
The Institute
The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), known in Danish as Danmarks Meteorologiske Institut, is the official national meteorological service of Denmark. It operates under the purview of the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Utilities, providing essential weather forecasts and climate monitoring for Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands.
Mission and Scope
DMI's core mission is to monitor atmospheric, terrestrial, and marine conditions to protect life and property, and to support economic and environmental planning. This encompasses providing critical meteorological advice for sectors including defense, aviation, shipping, and road traffic, alongside public weather forecasts.
Key Information
Established in 1872, DMI has evolved significantly. Today, it employs approximately 380 staff members, supported by around 450 voluntary weather and climate observers. The institute's annual budget is substantial, reflecting its critical role in national infrastructure and safety.
Headquarters: Copenhagen, 55ยฐ42โฒ55โณN 12ยฐ33โฒ40โณE
Motto: Vi klรฆder dig pรฅ til fremtidens vejr. (We prepare you for the weather of the future.)
Website: www.dmi.dk
Historical Evolution
Origins and Consolidation
The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) was founded in 1872, largely due to the initiatives of Ludwig A. Colding. It integrated the functions of three predecessor organizations: the original Meteorological Institute (established under the Ministry of the Navy), the Meteorological Service for Civil Aviation (founded in 1926), and the Meteorological Service for Defence (created in 1953). The current DMI structure was formed in 1990 through the merger of these entities.
Evolving Mission
Initially established to "make observations, communicate them to the general public, and develop scientific meteorology," DMI's objectives have remained central despite technological advancements. Today, it is recognized globally for its comprehensive expertise in weather and climate, serving the entire Kingdom of Denmark.
Advanced Weather Models
Collaborative Development
Since 1985, DMI has been a key partner in international collaborations for developing advanced weather forecasting models. This includes the High Resolution Limited Area Model (HIRLAM) initiative with Nordic and other European nations, marking a pioneering global effort in cross-country weather model research.
Next-Generation Systems
Through partnerships like the one with the ALADIN consortium (led by Mรฉtรฉo-France), DMI contributes to the development of mesoscale, non-hydrostatic forecasting systems such as Harmonie-AROME. This system is designed for operational applications of kilometer-scale ensemble forecasting, crucial for predicting and warning about high-impact weather events like flash floods, thunderstorms, and severe winds.
Continuous Improvement
DMI has progressively operationalized its Harmonie-based kilometer-scale forecasting system since 2013 for Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Denmark. In 2017, the institute introduced COMEPS (COntinuous Mesoscale Ensemble Prediction System), a 25-member system with hourly updates. Furthermore, in 2018, DMI deployed the first hectometric-scale NWP system specifically for predicting strong coastal winds in southern Greenland.
Technological Infrastructure
Computing Power
DMI has a history of utilizing powerful computing systems for its complex modeling needs. Early systems included Sperry 1100 and Convex 3880, followed by NEC SX-4 and SX-6. Since 2007, DMI has employed Cray XT5 and later Cray XC30 systems. Notably, since 2016, the Icelandic Meteorological Office manages a significant Cray XC30 system for DMI, leveraging cost efficiencies in electricity and cooling, with data transfer facilitated by dedicated undersea cables.
Advanced Radar Network
DMI operates five dual-polarization C-band weather radars from Vaisala, each capable of a 240 km Doppler range. The institute's radar network has undergone significant modernization, transitioning from early single-polarization systems (first installed in 1957) to advanced dual-polarization technology by 2017-2023. These upgrades enhance the detection of severe weather phenomena, with plans to further expand output products for phenomena like cloudbursts and thunderstorms.
Observation Stations
Nationwide Network
DMI maintains an extensive catalog of weather and ocean observation stations across Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. These stations collect crucial data across a wide spectrum of meteorological and hydrological parameters, forming the backbone of DMI's forecasting and climate monitoring capabilities.
Data Collection Parameters
The network includes dedicated stations for measuring various elements:
| Parameter | Number of Stations |
|---|---|
| Air Temperature | 60 |
| Relative Humidity | 61 |
| Wind Speed and Direction | 57 |
| Air Pressure | 52 |
| Precipitation | 257 |
| Cloud Coverage | 27 |
| Visibility | 34 |
| Radiation and Sunshine | 28 |
| Soil Temperature | 17 |
| Snow Depth | 81 |
| Water Temperature | 11+ |
Example Station
A DMI weather station located in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, exemplifies the ground-level data collection efforts vital for comprehensive atmospheric monitoring.
Related Topics
Further Exploration
- North West Shelf Operational Oceanographic System
- NinJo workstation used by DMI
- Doppler weather radar
- Niels Hoffmeyer, the first director
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not official DMI information or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting the official Danish Meteorological Institute website or seeking advice from qualified meteorological or climate professionals. Always refer to official sources for the most current and accurate data.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.