The dataset ‘Projected weather files' is comprised of 996 text files in a single zip file. Each text file contains one year of weather data in hourly intervals.
Each text file contains weather data for one of 83 Australian locations, under one of 3 future climate scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, or RCP8.5), for one of 4 future years (2030, 2050, 2070, or 2090). The RCP climate projections reflect a range of possible climate futures with varying levels of anthropogenic greenhouse gas and aerosol (hereafter collectively referred to as GHG) emissions, atmospheric GHG concentrations, and the resultant increase in radiative forcing. In RCP2.6, atmospheric GHG emissions peak around 2020 then rapidly decline in line with strong emissions reduction measures and active removal of GHGs from the atmosphere. In RCP4.5, GHG emissions peak in 2040, while RCP8.5 reflects a future with increased reliance on fossil-fuelled energy and little curbing of overall GHG emissions.
The projected weather dataset is based on a typical meteorological year of historical weather data drawn from the years 1990 to 2015. Global Climate Models and morphing were applied to this data to project the future values under each climate scenario at each location.
The dataset is provided in two text based file formats:
- In .epw format that can be used by building simulation software such as EnergyPlus, ESP-r and IESVE.
- In a weather file format suitable for building simulations using NatHERS software such as AccuRate, BERSPro, FirstRate5, and HERO in non-regulatory mode. (NOTE: These files are NOT for use in a regulatory setting.)
Further details about this dataset are available in the Projected weather files for building energy modelling User Guide.
(Product photo credit: Noah Windler on Unsplash)
