Internship – Expanding the onset of rain season algorithm
In rain-fed agriculture across tropical regions, understanding the start, duration, and potential dry periods of the rainy season is crucial. At Weather Impact, we have developed an innovative algorithm that estimates the probability of the rainy season being active—essentially providing both onset and continuation probabilities. This algorithm leverages rainfall likelihood data from ECMWF’s medium- and extended-range forecast models.
Currently, the algorithm is tailored for operations in Ghana. However, our goal is to refine and scale it for broader applicability across countries influenced by monsoonal weather patterns.
Internship Scope
This internship focuses on expanding the rainy season onset forecast beyond Ghana. The key task involves adapting the threshold-based algorithm to suit the specific climatic conditions of selected countries. This will be achieved by running the algorithm on historical datasets and comparing the estimated rainy season onset with observed onsets. Observed onsets will be derived from remote sensing data and, where available, weather station rainfall records.
Key responsibilities
• Adapt and implement the onset algorithm for at least two additional African countries.
• Generate hindcasts for previous seasons and validate the results against historical onset data.
• Identify observed rainy season onsets using remote sensing and weather station rainfall data.
Who are you?
We are looking for a student with excellent study results, who wants to be challenged in data-driven modelling, simulation and optimization. You are following a MSc study of Meteorology, Physics, Technical Geosciences or comparable at an University in the Netherlands.
• You have excellent programming skills (Python)
• You love data analytics
• You think independently of creative solutions
• You have good communication and writing skills in English
Weather Impact
Weather Impact is a Dutch company specialized in weather and climate services. We operate worldwide and provide advice and operational services to the agricultural and business sectors. Our innovative tools allow users to assess weather and climate impacts and make effective decisions to reduce risks. We are experts in data management, analytics and algorithms. We also provide training to support local partners in the sustainable continuation of the service. We actively work with NGOs, government organizations and research institutes to support climate adaptation.
What do we offer?
We are a young company with a dedicated team of colleagues, working in an international setting. Our of-fice is located in an historic building near the city centre of Amersfoort and at walking distance from Amersfoort Central Station. You will receive a monthly allowance, we provide all ICT and office facilities needed for the study, as well as excellent coffee!
Interested?
For more information about Weather Impact, please check www.weatherimpact.com. If you have any ques-tions concerting this vacancy, please contact Lorenzo Occelli at +31 (0)33 4753535. To apply, please send a CV, mark list and motivation letter to info@weatherimpact.com.
