To better predict offshore wind energy in Belgium, we improved the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) weather model by directly incorporating the effects of wind turbines. We also used AI to account for wind farm wake effects, where turbines slow down wind for other turbines. By combining physics-based models with a neural network trained on observations from the Belgian Offshore Zone, we achieved more accurate forecasts. This helps ensure a stable power grid and supports the growing role of offshore wind in our energy mix.

Renewable energy is becoming more common, but its variability creates challenges in keeping electricity supply stable. This study examines how changes in energy generation, known as ramps, occur, how they can be modelled and the associated skill. By analyzing wind and solar power in Ireland, we find that using a mix of sources reduces extreme fluctuations and helps supply stability. Our results also stress the benefits of energy diversity and the challenges of modelling changes at a local scale.

Weather forecasts that include uncertainty can be difficult to interpret and apply to real decisions. This study presents simplified and user-friendly tools developed in collaboration with professionals to make probabilistic forecasts more accessible. Tested to heat stress during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and late frost in vineyards, these tools help anticipate risks and support earlier, more informed, and more effective responses.

A link between the solar wind and the occurrence of large tornado outbreaks is found. The solar wind coupling to the Earth’s magnetic field deposits energy into the upper atmosphere at high latitudes. We consider the role of aurorally generated atmospheric gravity waves in the release of instabilities contributing to development of synoptic-scale weather conditions favoring formation of supercells in a strong wind shear environment and high tornado occurrence. 

Our study investigates how air pollution affects lower troposphere behavior. While the overall height of this layer did not change significantly under heavy pollution, we found a slight delay in the start of air movement and a rapid rise of warm air pockets. We also found out that absorbing aerosols warms the air despite blocking sunlight. For the layer height, no dominant effect was found. This research improves our understanding of how pollution influences atmospheric dynamics.