Brazil Launches Advanced Weather Prediction Model Monan on Supercomputer Jaci

Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) has unveiled a state-of-the-art weather prediction model named Monan, now operational on the Jaci supercomputer in Cachoeira Paulista, São Paulo. This technological leap marks a significant advancement in Brazil's meteorological forecasting capabilities, placing it on par with leading agencies in the United States and Europe.

The Jaci supercomputer boasts a processing capacity 24 times greater than its predecessor, Tupã, enabling Monan to provide highly reliable weather forecasts up to 11 days in advance. The model integrates real-time data from satellites, radars, and meteorological stations, using physical equations to simulate future atmospheric conditions globally with a resolution of 10 kilometers. Monan updates forecasts twice daily and is expected to significantly enhance early disaster warnings, improve monitoring of storms, cold fronts, and droughts, and aid agricultural planning through detailed rainfall estimations across watersheds.

Climatologist Carlos Nobre noted the model's importance in the context of expected extreme weather events, including the arrival of the El Niño phenomenon impacting São Paulo. Beyond the current capabilities, Inpe plans to develop a regional model for South America with even higher resolution down to 5 kilometers. Additionally, they aim to implement nowcasting tools—short-term forecasting techniques effective for up to six hours—that will further bolster immediate weather prediction and response.

Monan represents a major milestone in Brazil's efforts to strengthen meteorological monitoring and disaster preparedness through cutting-edge technology and computational power.