Did you know that Met Éireann calculates the weather every 2.5 kilometres, whereas the global models accessible on mobile phones are calculated every nine or every twelve kilometres?
The one exception to that is the Norwegian forecasting service, used by many Irish mariners, according to Met Éireann’s recently retired head of forecasting, Evelyn Cusack.
Met Eireann's recently retired head of forecasting, Evelyn Cusack
In an interview with Wavelengths shortly before she departed, Cusack explained the organisation's work in Glasnevin, its plans for a supercomputer, the advantages of its “app”, and the extent of its archive.
Met Eireann's recently retired head of forecasting, Evelyn Cusack with archivist Ciara Ryan
As a State service, Met Éireann doesn’t “ have a huge unit pumping millions and millions into our website or app,” she explained.
“A lot of the commercial apps look fantastic, and great – they sell their product, and that’s their job, but a lot of the commercial companies use national meteorological service data because we have an open data policy,” she said.
Met Eireann has extensive archives at its headquarters in Glasnevin, Dublin
Cusack spoke to Wavelengths, along with archivist Ciara Ryan and duty forecaster Deirdre Lowe. You can listen below
