Over 150 International Meteorological Experts participate in EWGLAM 2026
Almost 100 meteorological experts from across Europe and as far afield as Japan gathered in Kilkenny last week for EUMETNET’s annual European Working Group on Limited-Area Modelling (EWGLAM) and Short Range NWP (SRNWP) meetings, with a further 60 participants joining online.
Hosted by Met Éireann, the event brought together experts from national meteorological services and research institutions to exchange knowledge, share the latest developments in numerical weather prediction and machine learning and to discuss the future of high-resolution weather forecasting.
Met Éireann was delighted to bring the meeting to Kilkenny, having previously hosted EWGLAM and SRNWP in Dublin in 1980 and 1996. The medieval city provided a fitting setting for an event focused on weather and atmospheric science, with Kilkenny having some notable links to Irish meteorology.
Kilkenny Castle is the site of Ireland’s highest recorded air temperature, where 33.3 °C was recorded in 1887. The city is also home to one of Met Éireann’s geomagnetic survey sites, providing another important connection between Kilkenny and the work of the Irish Meteorological Service.
Alongside the scientific programme, delegates had the opportunity to experience Kilkenny and Irish culture, with an icebreaker session, an afternoon in Kilkenny Castle and a walking tour of the city. They also had the chance to try their hand at the ancient Irish sport of hurling, learning some of the skills and traditions of one of Ireland’s national games.
Irish music and song were part of the programme, with the Met Éireann choir The Isobars and trad band Ceo providing an evening of entertainment. The social programme offered delegates a chance to experience Irish hospitality and culture while strengthening connections with colleagues from across the international meteorological community.
The meeting provided an opportunity to enhance international collaboration, showcase the latest developments in numerical weather prediction and machine learning and highlight the important role of cooperation between meteorological services to improve weather forecasts for communities across Europe.
The meeting was particularly fitting in a landmark year for both organisations, with 2026 marking the 90th anniversary of Met Éireann and the 30th anniversary of EUMETNET. Presentations and recordings from the meeting will be made available on the EUMETNET website soon.
EWGLAM 2026 – A Week in Kilkenny
Below is a short video bringing together some of the memorable moments from the week, capturing the scientific programme, social activities and experiences in Kilkenny.