EMADDC 3.0 Datasets
The EMADDC 3.0 datasets represent the latest generation of EMADDC data products and are available via the KNMI Data Platform (KDP). These datasets introduce a revised data delivery structure, improved consistency across products, and updated file formats.
This complete dataset (dataset identifier: emaddc_general_and_mo_global_data, version 2.0) provides the most comprehensive coverage, combining observations made available under both KNMI and UK Met Office licenses. Access to this dataset is therefore limited to users who have signed agreements with both organisations.
The EMADDC Met Office Global Data dataset (dataset identifier: emaddc_mo_global_data, version 2.0) contains the global data made available through the UK Met Office. This dataset is intended for users who hold a valid UK Met Office license and provides access to the corresponding subset of EMADDC observations.
The EMADDC General Data dataset (dataset identifier: emaddc_general_data, version 2.0) includes data distributed under KNMI licensing conditions. It is available to users who have signed a license agreement with KNMI and provides access to the general EMADDC data collection.
All EMADDC 3.0 datasets are global in scope and contain harmonised observations. Duplicate observations that were previously present across datasets have been removed as part of this harmonisation process. Users should therefore avoid combining multiple EMADDC 3.0 datasets in their workflows, as this may reintroduce duplicate observations.
The datasets are provided in CSV, BUFR, and NetCDF formats. In contrast to the R2.2 structure, all supported formats are now included within each dataset, removing the need to access separate datasets for different file formats.
The EMADDC 3.0 release introduces several updates to the data formats. The most notable changes apply to the CSV format, where variable names have been expanded to more descriptive forms and the header structure has been revised. In addition, wind speed values are now consistently provided in metres per second (m/s), including for MRAR data, which was previously delivered in knots. NetCDF and BUFR formats remain largely consistent with the earlier R2.2 specifications.
For automated or large-scale data access, EMADDC provides an open-source Python client that utilises the KDP Notification Service to download data as it becomes available. The client, along with documentation, is available at: https://gitlab.com/KNMI-OSS/emaddc/kdp-notification-client
This client can be used for all EMADDC datasets available through KDP. It has recently been updated to support an extended SessionExpirationInterval, improving reliability for long-running downloads and large data volumes.
Users are advised to review the EMADDC 3.0 data format documentation and to test the new datasets before integrating them into operational workflows.
EMADDC R2.2 Datasets
The EMADDC R2.2 datasets will be deprecated in the near future and are expected to be fully phased out in Q3/Q4 2026.
Standard European Operational Data
The EMADDC (standard) operational dataset is available easily CSV and BUFR. Users with access to the existing datasets on KNMI's FTP servers may request access to the KDP datasets by contacting opendata@knmi.nl.
EMADDC offers an open-source Python script designed to utilize the KDP Notification Service for the automatic downloading of data when it becomes available. The script, along with its documentation, can be accessed at the following link: https://gitlab.com/KNMI-OSS/emaddc/kdp-notification-client. This script can be used for all EMADDC datasets available through KDP.
EMADDC Met Office Global Data
The EMADDC Met Office Global dataset is available in CSV, BUFR and NetCDF as outlined in this section.
Historical Data
The published data is compiled into daily compressed (gzip) files, which contain 15-minute BUFR files with processed observations. BUFR is a binary file format commonly utilized in meteorology and data assimilation. Additional information about BUFR and relevant tools for utilizing BUFR files can be found on the ECMWF website.
EMADDC has developed Python software that facilitates the analysis of historical datasets. These tools are accessible through KNMI's OSS repositories and include various readers and visualization tools.
For regular and/or automated downloads of EMADDC datasets, EMADDC recommends that users consult the KDP developer portal. This portal includes scripts for data downloads using CURL or Python, as well as details on subscribing to an automated notification service. For downloading, EMADDC advises the use of the KDP notification client listed above.
Note that historical data is not automatically or regularly processed and published. The list below shows the status of available historical data.