Format
Our model data is supplied in a format known as GRIB2 and is a format sponsored by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). We now use WMO v27 GRIB standards and have a MO repository for local codes. Please see the glossary for GRIB codes used for each parameter.
GRIB (GRIdded Binary or General Regularly-distributed Information in Binary form) is a concise data format commonly used in meteorology to store historical and forecast weather data.
As GRIB is a binary format an application or viewer is required to represent or visualise the data normally shown overlaying a map.
Download Sample
To download this sample file please confirm you agree to the Terms and Conditions:
This is sample data only. It is historic data and provided on a free of charge basis. The sample data must not be used for commercial or operational use and must not be shared with any third parties. The sample data may only be used for internal business use for the purposes of allowing the prospective customers to consider what they need to do to set up their systems and get prepared.
Note: The Met Office has no liability to prospective customers concerning the sample data provided.
Visualisation
To visualise a sample of our gridded atmospheric model data you will need to acquire an application such as Panoply which can provide a geographical and time driven representation of the forecast.