2026 will be a big year for ECMWF, with two IFS model cycle upgrades (50r1 and 50r2) and the update of both AIFS Single and AIFS Ensemble.
The test data for IFS Cycle 50r1 is expected to be released very soon, and we encourage users to follow the implementation page for more information.
IFS Cycle 50r2 will introduce full GRIB2 support for ECMWF products. This cycle will see a significant change in the GRIB data that users receive and we anticipate a longer test phase to allow users time to transition. Note that this is not an optional transition - all data will be produced in GRIB2 moving forward.
The AIFS models (Single and Ensemble) will also see significant updates in the coming months, including the addition of new parameters, with the AIFS release taking place at the same time as the IFS Cycle 50r1 release.
For any enquiries please use the ECMWF Support portal.
ECMWF Support
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As the implementation of the upgrade for the IFS Cycle 50r1, AIFS Single v2 and AIFS ENS v2, scheduled for late April 2026, approaches we have made Implementation pages for the both AIFS models available.
Users can now access more information about:
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To support users ahead of this change, we are organising two joint AIFS/IFS webinars.
Webinar 1: IFS Cycle 50r1 and AIFS v2 - verification, new products and technical aspects
In the first webinar Matthieu Chevallier, Head of Evaluation, will present the latest model verification, new products, and technical aspects for the IFS Cy 50r1, Mariana Clare will present the same for AIFS Single v2 and Simon Lang for AIFS Ensemble v2. This webinar is scheduled for 26 February 2026; 10:00 UTC / 11:00 CEST.
Please register using the following link: https://events.ecmwf.int/event/531/
Webinar 2: IFS Cycle 50r1 and AIFS v2 - Data access and format, testing and practicalities
In the second webinar Yigit Altintas and Milana Vučković will give an overview on the technical changes, explain how to get and use test data, and highlight some practical considerations linked to the implementation of the IFS Cycle 50r1, while Meghan Plumridge and Maartje Kuilman will present the same for AIFS Single v2 and AIFS Ensemble v2. This webinar is scheduled for 12 March 2026; 10:00 UTC / 11:00 CEST.
Please register using the following link: https://events.ecmwf.int/event/532/
As part of this coordinated model upgrade, we will implement IFS Cycle 50r1 for Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) too, therefore, we will present updates regarding this model in the webinars as well.
A recording of both webinars will be made available on the event pages, as well as on ECMWF YouTube channel.