Climatic Research Unit : Data

High-resolution gridded datasets (and derived products)

This page contains four sections:

  • Current Datasets and Static Climatologies
  • Legacy Datasets
  • Superseded Datasets
  • General Information
  • CRU TS & CRU CY BLOG (more)


    27 June 2024 CRU TS v4.08 released (apologies for the unavoidable delay)
    23 April 2024 CRU TS v4.08 delayed
    20 April 2023 CRU TS & CRU CY v4.07 released
    20 April 2023 CRU CL CLD climatology reverted to v1.0, see Read Me for details

    29 June 2022 v4.06.01 CRU CY CLD published, based on the CRU TS point release (below)
    28 June 2022 v4.06.01 CRU TS CLD published, see Read Me for details

    16 June 2022 v4.06 CLD withdrawn
    30 May 2022 Revised climatology, CRU CL v1.1, released
    26 May 2022 CRU TS & CRU CY v4.06 released
    11 January 2022 Advance Warning: revised climatologies
    17 March 2021 CRU TS & CRU CY v4.05 released
    6 June 2020 Obligatory Welcome to the Blog post
    6 June 2020 Bug report: affecting multiple variables, minor
    3 June 2020 Bug report: affecting VAP, minor


    Current Datasets and Static Climatologies

    The CRU TS dataset was developed and has been subsequently updated, improved and maintained with support from a number of funders, principally the UK's Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the US Department of Energy. Long-term support is currently provided by the UK National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS), a NERC collaborative centre.

    CRU gratefully acknowledges the support of all these funding agencies.

    Always read the relevant documentation and publications

    CRU TS v. 4.08

    The current version of CRU TS, using a revised interpolation function, and superseding v4.07, v4.08early (unreleased) and v3.26.

    Access at CEDA

    Also available at Climate Explorer
    (click on Select a field, Monthly observations)

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    Google Earth Interface to TMP, PRE, DTR and VAP

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 27 June 2024, covers the period 1901-2023

    Dataset DOI will appear here when granted.
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU CY v. 4.08

    The current version of CRU CY, which supersedes v4.07 and v3.26.

    This version uses the updated set of country definitions: Read_Me_CRU_CY_Updated_Country_Definitions.txt

    Access at CEDA

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version will cover the period 1901-2023

    Dataset DOI will appear here when granted.
    Coverage: Countries (updated 2017)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU CL v. 1.1

    https://crudata.uea.ac.uk/cru/data/hrg/cru_cl_1.1/

    A gridded climatology of 1961-1990 monthly means

    This version was released in 2022, with CLD being reverted to v1.0 in 2023. It is used in the construction of CRU TS v4.07

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: tmp, dtr, pre, vap, wet, cld
    Information:Technical_note_CRU_CL_v1.1.pdf
    Read_Me_CRU_CL_CLD_Reversion.txt

    CRU CL v. 2.0

    Link to data

    A gridded climatology of 1961-1990 monthly means
    This version was released in 2002

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 10' resolution
    Variables: pre, wet, tmp, dtr, rhm, ssh, frs, wnd
    Reference: New et al. (2002) doi (click to access)

    CRU CL v. 2.1

    Available on request

    A gridded climatology of 1961-1990 monthly means
    This version was released in 2003

    Coverage: European land areas at 10' resolution
    Variables: cld, vap
    Reference: Michell et al. (2003) Tyndall WP 55 (click to access)


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    Legacy Datasets (not maintained or updated)

    Always read the relevant documentation and publications

    CRU TS v 1.2

    Link to data

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released in 2003, covers the period 1901-2000

    Coverage: European land areas at 10' resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, dtr, vap, cld
    Reference: Mitchell et al. (2003) Tyndall WP 55 (click to access)

    TYN SC v. 1.0

    Withdrawn but available here

    A gridded dataset of future scenarios
    This version, released in 2003, covers the period 2001-2100

    Coverage: European land areas at 10' resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, dtr, vap, cld
    Reference: Mitchell et al. (2003) Tyndall WP 55 (click to access)

    TYN SC v. 2.0

    Withdrawn but available here

    A gridded dataset of future scenarios
    This version, released in 2003, covers the period 2001-2100

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, dtr, vap, cld
    Reference: Mitchell et al. (2003) Tyndall WP 55 (click to access)

    Notes The 'TYN SC' scenarios of possible future climate change are no longer recommended for use, because they are based on older generation climate models and no support is provided.
    The data are still available for the purposes of replicating previously published work that may have used these data.
    For scenarios based on newer generations of climate models, see ClimGen.

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    Superseded Datasets

    Always read the relevant documentation and publications

    CRU TS v. 1.0

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Available on request

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released in 2000, covers the period 1901-1995

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, dtr, wet, vap, cld, frs
    Reference: New et al. (2000) doi (click to access)

    CRU TS v. 1.1

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Available on request

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released in 2000, covers the period 1901-1998

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp
    Reference: New et al. (2000; updated) doi (click to access)

    CRU TS v. 2.0

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Withdrawn but available here

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released in 2003, covers the period 1901-2000

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, dtr, vap, cld
    Reference: Mitchell et al. (2003) Tyndall WP 55 (click to access)

    CRU TS v. 2.10

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Withdrawn but available here

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released in 2005, covers the period 1901-2002

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs
    Reference: Mitchell and Jones (2005) doi (click to access)

    CRU TS v. 3.00

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Withdrawn but available here (CEDA)

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released in 2006, covers the period 1901-2005

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs
    Reference: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU TS v. 3.10

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Withdrawn but available here (CEDA)

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released in 2010, covers the period 1901-2009

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU TS v. 3.10.01

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Withdrawn but available here (CEDA)

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released in 2010, corrects a bug in v. 3.10 precipitation

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre
    Reference: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU TS v. 3.20

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Withdrawn but available here (CEDA)

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released in 2012, covers the period 1901-2011

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU TS v. 3.21

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Withdrawn but available here (CEDA)

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released in 2013, covers the period 1901-2012

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU TS v. 3.22

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Withdrawn but available here (CEDA)

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 4 July 2014, covers the period 1901-2013

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU TS v. 3.23

    Withdrawn but available here (CEDA)

    Link to local copy

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 1 September 2015, covers the period 1901-2014

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU TS v. 3.24

    WITHDRAWN
    This version was withdrawn, owing to several errors in the gridded output.
    It was replaced by version 3.24.01
    Please see this note:

    Known_Problems_CRU_TS_3.24.txt

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 7 October 2016, covers the period 1901-2015

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU TS v. 3.24.01

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    This version replaced v3.24, which was withdrawn
    (see Known_Problems_CRU_TS_3.24.txt).

    Access at CEDA

    If CEDA is down, there is a local backup

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 26 January 2017, covers the period 1901-2015

    Dataset DOI: http://doi.org/10/gbr3nh
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU TS v. 4.00

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    A new version of CRU TS incorporating many process changes, see: Release_Notes_CRU_TS4.00.txt.

    Access at CEDA

    Local Copy

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 13 March 2017, covers the period 1901-2015

    Dataset DOI: http://doi.org/10/gbr3nj
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU TS v. 3.25

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Please use this version to maintain continuity with previous releases (3.24.01, 3.23, etc), or alongside 4.01 to assess how the process change might affect you: we welcome feedback.

    Access at CEDA

    If CEDA is down, there is a local backup

    Google Earth Interface (TMP and PRE only)

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 20 September 2017, covers the period 1901-2016

    Dataset DOI: http://doi.org/10/gcmdf7
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU TS v. 4.01

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Access at CEDA

    If CEDA is down, there is a Local Copy

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 20 September 2017, covers the period 1901-2016

    Dataset DOI: http://doi.org/10/gcmcz3
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU TS v. 3.26

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    This version replaced v3.25, which it superseded. This is the final version of CRU TS version 3.

    Please use this version to maintain continuity with previous releases (3.24.01, 3.25, etc), or alongside 4.02 (etc) to assess how the process change might affect you: we welcome feedback.

    Until CEDA have the release, there is a Local Copy

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 18 November 2018, covers the period 1901-2017
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)
    CRU TS v. 4.02

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Until CEDA have the release, there is a Local Copy

    Google Earth Interface (TMP and PRE only)

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 18 November 2018, covers the period 1901-2017
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)
    CRU TS v. 4.03

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Access at CEDA

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    Google Earth Interface (TMP and PRE only)

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 15 May 2019, covers the period 1901-2018

    Dataset DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5285/10d3e3640f004c578403419aac167d82
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU TS v. 4.04

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Access at CEDA.

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    Google Earth Interface to TMP, PRE, DTR and VAP

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 24 April 2020, covers the period 1901-2019

    Dataset DOI will appear here when granted.
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU TS v. 4.05

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    Access at CEDA

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    Google Earth Interface to TMP, PRE, DTR and VAP

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 17 March 2021, covers the period 1901-2020

    Dataset DOI will appear here when granted.
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU TS v. 4.06

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    When available at CEDA, the link will be here

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    Google Earth Interface to TMP, PRE, DTR and VAP

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 26 May 2022, covers the period 1901-2021

    Dataset DOI will appear here when granted.
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU TS v. 4.07

    Superseded by current version of CRU TS

    When available at CEDA, the link will be here

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    Google Earth Interface to TMP, PRE, DTR and VAP is here

    A gridded time-series dataset
    This version, released 19 April 2023, covers the period 1901-2022

    Dataset DOI will appear here when granted.
    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    TYN CY v. 1.0

    Superseded by current version of CRU CY

    Withdrawn but available here

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released in 2000, covers the period 1901-1998

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, dtr, wet, vap, cld, frs
    Reference: Mitchell et al. (2002) pdf of paper (click to access)

    TYN CY v. 1.1

    Superseded by current version of CRU CY

    Withdrawn but available here

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released in 2002, covers the period 1901-2000

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, wet, vap, cld, frs
    Reference: Mitchell et al. (2002) pdf of paper (click to access)

    CRU CY v. 3.21

    Superseded by current version

    Withdrawn but available here (CEDA)

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released in 2013, covers the period 1901-2012

    Coverage: Countries (definitions due for revision in 2015)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU CY v. 3.22

    Superseded by current version

    Withdrawn but available here (CEDA)

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released in 2014, covers the period 1901-2013

    Coverage: Countries (definitions due for revision in 2015)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU CY v. 3.23

    Superseded by current version

    Withdrawn but available here (CEDA)

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 1 September 2015, covers the period 1901-2014

    Coverage: Countries
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU CY v. 3.24

    WITHDRAWN
    This version was withdrawn, owing to errors in CRU TS v3.24.
    It was replaced by version 3.24.01

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 7 October 2016, covers the period 1901-2015

    Coverage: Countries (definitions still under revision)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU CY v. 4.00

    Superseded by current version

    Submitted to CEDA

    Link to local copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 13 March 2017, covers the period 1901-2015

    Dataset DOI: http://doi.org/10/gbr3nf
    Coverage: Countries (definitions still under revision)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU CY v. 3.24.01

    Superseded by current version

    Submitted to CEDA

    Link to local copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 26 January 2017, covers the period 1901-2015

    Dataset DOI: http://doi.org/10/gbr3ng
    Coverage: Countries (definitions still under revision)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU CY v. 3.25

    Will shortly be superseded by current version

    This version uses an updated set of country definitions: Read_Me_CRU_CY_Updated_Country_Definitions.txt

    A version using the previous, 'old' country definitions is also being made available, to assist with the change.

    Submitted to CEDA

    Link to local copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 20 September 2017, covers the period 1901-2016

    Dataset DOI: http://doi.org/10/gcmcz4
    Coverage: Countries (updated for this release)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU CY v. 4.01

    Will be shortly superseded by current version

    This version uses an updated set of country definitions: Read_Me_CRU_CY_Updated_Country_Definitions.txt

    A version using the previous, 'old' country definitions is also being made available, to assist with the change.

    Submitted to CEDA

    Link to local copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 20 September 2017, covers the period 1901-2015

    Dataset DOI: http://doi.org/10/gcmcz5
    Coverage: Countries (updated for this release)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU CY v. 3.26

    Superseded by current version

    This version replaced v3.25, which it superseded. This is the final version of CRU CY version 3.

    This version uses the updated set of country definitions: Read_Me_CRU_CY_3.26_Updated_Country_Definitions.txt

    Until CEDA have the release, there is a Local Copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 20 November 2018, covers the period 1901-2017

    Dataset DOI not yet available
    Coverage: Countries (updated 2017)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2014) doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click to access)
    Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    CRU CY v. 4.02

    Superseded by current version

    This version uses the updated set of country definitions: Read_Me_CRU_CY_4.02_Updated_Country_Definitions.txt

    Until CEDA have the release, there is a Local Copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released November 2018, covers the period 1901-2017

    Dataset DOI not yet available
    Coverage: Countries (updated 2017)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU CY v. 4.03

    Superseded by current version

    This version uses the updated set of country definitions: Read_Me_CRU_CY_4.03_Updated_Country_Definitions.txt

    Access at CEDA

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 15 May 2019, covers the period 1901-2018

    Dataset DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5285/d6768285fdc8408bbb9b02bb0f317774
    Coverage: Countries (updated 2017)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU CY v. 4.04

    Superseded by current version

    This version uses the updated set of country definitions: Read_Me_CRU_CY_4.04_Updated_Country_Definitions.txt

    Access at CEDA will appear here when available

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 24 April 2020, covers the period 1901-2019

    Dataset DOI will appear here when granted.
    Coverage: Countries (updated 2017)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU CY v. 4.05

    Superseded by current version

    This version uses the updated set of country definitions: Read_Me_CRU_CY_4.05_Updated_Country_Definitions.txt

    Access at CEDA

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 17 March 2021, covers the period 1901-2020

    Dataset DOI will appear here when granted.
    Coverage: Countries (updated 2017)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU CY v.4.06

    Superseded by current version

    This version uses the updated set of country definitions: Read_Me_CRU_CY_Updated_Country_Definitions.txt

    When available at CEDA, the link will be here

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 26 May 2022, covers the period 1901-2021

    Dataset DOI will appear here when granted.
    Coverage: Countries (updated 2017)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU CY v.4.07

    Superseded by current version

    This version uses the updated set of country definitions: Read_Me_CRU_CY_Updated_Country_Definitions.txt

    When available at CEDA, the link will be here

    If CEDA access is unavailable, there is a Local Copy

    A dataset of country means derived from CRU TS
    This version, released 19 April 2023, covers the period 1901-2022

    Dataset DOI will appear here when granted.
    Coverage: Countries (updated 2017)
    Variables: pre, tmp, tmx, tmn, dtr, vap, cld, wet, frs, pet
    NEW Reference to source dataset: Harris et al. (2020) doi:10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3 (click to access)

    CRU CL v. 1.0

    Superseded by current version

    Link to data (at IPCC-DDC)

    A gridded climatology of 1961-1990 monthly means
    This version was released in 1999, and is was in the construction of CRU TS up to v4.05

    Coverage: All land areas (excluding Antarctica) at 0.5° resolution
    Variables: pre, wet, tmp, dtr, vap, spc, cld, frs, wnd
    Reference: New et al. (1999) doi (click to access)


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    General Information

    Availability / Conditions of use / References / Data Formats / Variables / Coverage / Naming Conventions


    Availability

    Some data is available from the CRU website. However, most recent data (CRU TS, CRU CY) is distributed via CEDA. DropBox may be used in extraordinary circumstances to allow timely access to new releases.

    Where the status is marked as 'available on request', please email cru@uea.ac.uk, stating which dataset(s) you require and the area of research you intend to use them in. Please do not request those datasets marked as 'superseded', unless you are certain that you require them.



    Conditions of use

    The various datasets on the CRU website are provided for all to use, provided the sources are acknowledged. Acknowledgement should preferably be by citing one or more of the papers referenced. The website can also be acknowledged if deemed necessary.



    References: Please always reference appropriately when using these datasets.
    • Harris I, Osborn TJ, Jones P and Lister D (2020) Version 4 of the CRU TS Monthly High-Resolution Gridded Multivariate Climate Dataset. Sci Data 7,, 109 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3

    • Harris, I., Jones, P.D., Osborn, T.J. and Lister, D.H. (2014), Updated high-resolution grids of monthly climatic observations - the CRU TS3.10 Dataset. International Journal of Climatology 34, 623-642
      doi:10.1002/joc.3711 (click doi to access paper)
      Correction to the above paper: Revised Appendix 3 (CLD)

    • Mitchell, T.D. and Jones, P.D., 2005: An improved method of constructing a database of monthly climate observations and associated high-resolution grids. International Journal of Climatology 25, 693-712
      doi:10.1002/joc.1181 (click doi to access paper)

    • Mitchell, T.D., Hulme, M. and New, M., 2002: Climate data for political areas. Area 34, 109-112
      WHOLE PAPER AS PDF

    • Mitchell, T. D., et al, 2003: A comprehensive set of climate scenarios for Europe and the globe. Tyndall Centre Working Paper 55.
      ABSTRACT AND WHOLE PAPER

    • New, M., Hulme, M. and Jones, P.D., 1999: Representing twentieth century space-time climate variability. Part 1: development of a 1961-90 mean monthly terrestrial climatology. Journal of Climate 12, 829-856
      doi:10.1175/1520-0442(1999)012<0829:RTCSTC>2.0.CO;2 (click doi to access paper)

    • New, M., Hulme, M. and Jones, P.D., 2000: Representing twentieth century space-time climate variability. Part 2: development of 1901-96 monthly grids of terrestrial surface climate. Journal of Climate 13, 2217-2238
      doi:10.1175/1520-0442(2000)013<2217:RTCSTC>2.0.CO;2 (click doi to access paper)

    • New, M., Lister, D., Hulme, M. and Makin, I., 2002: A high-resolution data set of surface climate over global land areas. Climate Research 21
      doi:10.3354/cr021001 (click doi to access paper)


    Data Formats

    Early datasets used a packed format which minimised storage requirements, known as 'GRIM'. This presented all the data for each gridcell in turn. The advantage was that the missing data (oceans, Antarctica) was simply not included. The disadvantage was that it required the user to reassemble the grids at the other end: a task carrying implications for storage and processing. CRU TS 2.10 was the last version to be produced in this format; it has since been converted to ASCII gridded format (below).

    Current gridded products (CRU TS) are presented either as ASCII grids, or in NetCDF format. The ASCII grids are 720 columns wide and 360 rows 'deep', with subsequent monthly grids concatenated onto earlier ones; missing values (ie, sea plus Antarctica) are -999. The (legacy) format is integer only, so most variables are x10, that is, you must divide by 10 to get actuals. The exceptions are the two day counts, WET and FRS: these are x100, so you must divide by 100 to get actuals.



    Variables: abbreviations, definitions, units

    label variable units
    cld cloud cover percentage (%)
    dtr diurnal temperature range degrees Celsius
    frs frost day frequency days
    pet potential evapotranspiration millimetres per day
    pre precipitation millimetres per month
    rhm relative humidity percentage (%)
    ssh sunshine duration hours
    stn* number of stations contributing to each interpolation count 0-8
    tmp monthly average daily mean temperature degrees Celsius
    tmn monthly average daily minimum temperature degrees Celsius
    tmx monthly average daily maximum temperature degrees Celsius
    vap vapour pressure hectopascals (hPa)
    wet wet day frequency days
    wnd wind speed metres per second (m/s)


    * stn is present in all the NetCDF files, and is available as separate ASCII files.


    Coverage

    All datasets on this page cover land surfaces only, with global datasets additionally excluding Antarctica.



    Naming Conventions

    The identifying label is made up of:

    • Institution of origin both at the University of East Anglia (UK)

    • Label denoting the type of data-set

      • CL = The average climate in the recent past. These are high-resolution grids. Allows spatial comparisons of environmental features; the dependency of certain features on mean climate may be assessed.

      • TS = Month-by-month variations in weather/climate over the last century or so. These are high-resolution grids. Allows variations in weather/climate to be compared with variations in other phenomena.

      • SC = A set of scenarios of possible climates in the future, using data from climate models. These are high-resolution grids. Allows environmental impact models to consider month-by-month changes in climate from the past, through the present, and into the future. Future uncertainties are represented through scenarios.

      • CY = Country averages, based on aggregating grid cells together from the grids in CL, TS, or SC (usually TS). Allows international comparisons to be made, in conjunction with socio-economic data such as GDP, population, land area, etc.


    • Version number

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    Last updated: March 2024, Ian Harris

    Licence

    These datasets are made available under the Open Government Licence.
    You are free to use this dataset but you must acknowledge the source of the information.
    Please use the attribution Climatic Research Unit (University of East Anglia) and NCAS.
    If it is appropriate to give citations and/or website links, then please also cite the relevant publication (see data table above) and/or provide a link to this website.