In 1995 two people, an expert meteorologist and an expert in mathematical models showed up at Epson Italy to propose to set up a working group able to combine the research and development of atmospheric forecast models with the operational weather forecast, that day, 8 March of that year the Centro Epson Meteo was born.
In these 21 years, despite all the changes that have occurred in that time, the fundamental idea of combining research and innovation with operational weather activities has remained a fundamental guideline. Nowadays we provide all services to several sectors, from energy to transportation, from insurance to agriculture, among many others. The weather forecast is a very complex chain that starts from observation data to determine the initial state needed to develop mathematical models for the future evolution of atmospheric variables. At the end of this process it is essential that the intervention of the forecaster, using the representations of the model in the form of maps, synthesizes and adds value to that data by performing a weather forecast that is more accurate than that can be built up by using only the mathematical model. In fact, the prediction made exclusively with automation based on the model outputs has a variety of errors on which the meteorologist can intervene, while in the large audience of weather sites and “app” this added value is missed and, often, these “apps” end up providing a disservice to the user.
In addition, many sites offering weather predictions are not supported by the highly specialized personnel necessary and they merely package all the data available in an approximate manner which is not representative of the value of the data itself.
Some people also use the models whose codes are publicly available, but they do it without the scientific background needed to manage the numerous options related to the physics and the dynamics of the model, producing forecasts the value of which is quite modest.
Finally, there is the problem of the absence of degree courses in meteorology and the recognition of the profession of meteorologist. However, since March this year, there is a framework for the certification of the Meteorologist, following the WMO 1083 guide. In addition, the UNI Commission for “non regulated professional activities” approved, in its meeting of November 23rd, 2016, the Regulation Project for the “Professional Physicist” and ordered the publication on the website of UNI where it will remain for two months in Public Evidence. This is the last step before the adoption of the new standard.
