2026 S2S Land-atmosphere Interactions Workshop

Advancing Understanding of Land-Atmosphere Interactions and Processes on S2S Predictability

August 4–6, 2026 at the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) Mesa Lab in Boulder, Colorado.

1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder Colorado 80503

Agenda: see resource links on this page

Our focus

This meeting is a follow-on to the 2025 summer workshop and will focus on the role of land–atmosphere interactions in predictability at subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) timescales (here defined as two weeks to three months). Building on last year’s outcomes, the workshop will bring together researchers, modelers and practitioners working on:

  • Process-oriented metrics for evaluating land–atmosphere interactions in S2S models
  • Application-oriented metrics to assess user-relevant aspects of S2S prediction
  • Experimental protocols for coordinated S2S land–atmosphere experiments
  • Demonstrations and early results applying these metrics and protocols in S2S modeling systems
  • Community regionally refined simulations
  • Applications of S2S forecasts to agriculture, water resources, wildfire, heatwave, extreme rainfall, and more

The program will include a mix of science and applications talks, working-group showcases, discussion of coordinated experiments, and planning for future community efforts. We welcome both those who participated in last year’s workshop and working groups, as well as new colleagues who would like to engage in this effort going forward. Innovative, forward-looking applications of S2S forecasts, uncertainty quantification, and decision-support tools are also encouraged. The workshop will be hybrid, with talks live-streamed for virtual attendees. However, because the format will emphasize interactive discussions and collaboration, in-person participation is strongly encouraged. In order to engage as broad of a community as possible, please share this message with your colleagues and communities that you think would be interested in this effort.

This workshop is jointly organized by multiple institutions and agencies, as reflected in the Organizing and Scientific Steering Committees listed below. More information on registration and a workshop website will be forthcoming. For more information or questions regarding this workshop, please reach out to us at predictability@ucar.edu. 

Organizing Committee: Argyro Kavvada, Christine Bassett, Jennika O’Brien, Margaret Hoeflich, Mark Olsen, Renu Joseph, Yaga Richter, Yan Xue

Scientific Steering Committee: Andrea Molod, Cenlin He, Hailan Wang, Meg Fowler, Michael Barlage, Ruby Leung, Sanjiv Kumar

Abstract Submission

We invite you to submit an abstract for consideration as a poster or oral presentation. 

Abstract topics include: 

  • Land Initialization Methods and Metrics

  • Sources of S2S Predictability

  • Land-Atmosphere Coupling Processes

  • Model Bias and Uncertainty

  • Novel applications of Use of AI/ML in S2S Prediction

  • Data Assimilation and Observation Strategies

  • Applications and Operations

  • Other

Presentations that identify and describe opportunities for synergistic multi-agency (domestic and international) S2S system development are of particular relevance. 

Please note that oral presentation slots are very limited, and only a small amount of travel support is available. Travel support requests will be available to U.S. presenters only and reviewed on an as-needed basis, with funding decisions confirmed by May 31, 2026. If you need travel support, you will be able to specify on the Abstract Submission form. 

Please be advised that there is a $200 registration fee for in-person participants. There is no fee for abstract submissions. Registration dues must be paid by June 1, 2026.

S2S Land–Atmosphere Interactions Workshop Abstract Submission Form

Abstract submissions are due May 8, 2026, with decisions shared by May 31, 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at predictability@ucar.edu. 

Read the Summer 2025 S2S Land-atmosphere Interactions Workshop Report

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Summer 2025 S2S Land-atmosphere Interactions workshop. The workshop report is now available in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 

Registration, Travel, and Lodging information:

Coming April 2026