AIFS-CRPS: ensemble forecasting using a model trained with a loss function based on the continuous ranked probability score

Ensemble weather forecasts provide a probabilistic description of the future state of the atmosphere and give users flow-dependent estimates of forecast uncertainty. Here, we introduce AIFS-CRPS, an ensemble variant of the machine-learned Artificial Intelligence Forecasting System (AIFS) developed at ECMWF. Its loss function is the almost fair Continuous Ranked Probability Score (afCRPS). It is based on a proper score, the CRPS, but approximately removes the bias in the score due to finite ensemble size yet avoids a degeneracy of the fair CRPS. The trained model is stochastic and can generate as many exchangeable members as desired. For medium-range forecasts AIFS-CRPS outperforms the physics-based Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) ensemble for the majority of variables and lead times. For subseasonal forecasts, AIFS-CRPS outperforms the IFS ensemble before calibration and is competitive with the IFS ensemble when forecasts are evaluated as anomalies to remove the influence of model biases.