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.grib File Extension

Developer: World Meteorological Organization

File type: Gridded Binary File

You're here because you have a file that has a file extension ending in .grib. Files with the file extension .grib can only be launched by certain applications. It's possible that .grib files are data files rather than documents or media, which means they're not meant to be viewed at all.

what is a .grib file?

Files with the GRIB file extension are associated with programs that are used as Grid Analysis and Display Systems. These are mostly free applications created for convenient imaging and management of data files related to earth science. Gridded Binary or GRIB file was developed by the World Meteorological Organization and is intended for easy storing and transfer of meteorological information among forecasting computers. GRIB files are composed of numerous individual meteorological data, each of which contain useful data that is independent of the other individual files. These individual files have two major components, the header and the binary data. Header components can be compressed, while the binary records are not implemented with compression support. GRIB files are highly compact, mainly containing pure information, which is ideal for quick downloads, even with slow Internet connections. The meticulous recording specifications and standards used in creating GRIB files are also commendable for its accuracy, which is why more forecasting systems all over the world prefer this type of file extension over other related file formats.

how to open a .grib file?

Launch a .grib file, or any other file on your PC, by double-clicking it. If your file associations are set up correctly, the application that's meant to open your .grib file will open it. It's possible you may need to download or purchase the correct application. It's also possible that you have the correct application on your PC, but .grib files aren't yet associated with it. In this case, when you try to open a .grib file, you can tell Windows which application is the correct one for that file. From then on, opening a .grib file will open the correct application. Click here to fix .grib file association errors

applications that open a .grib file

GRIB.US Ugrib

Ugrib is a free software that provides full, instant, customizable access to global weather data through a simple interface on your desktop. Meteorological institutes around the world use GRIB as the format to manipulate and transport weather data. It is the foundation of our daily weather forecasts. GRIB.US developed Ugrib to provide its end users a free application to extract custom GRIB weather data suited to your needs. Ugrib enables you to view and animate GRIB files you have downloaded, display meteograms and more. You don’t need to open a browser to directly access the backend servers of Ugrib. This feature is useful when off shore or when having limited bandwidth connection. The software also lets you choose your own timesteps, resolutions, variables etc. You can save your custom settings. You can immediately download surface GRIB data with Sea Level Pressure and 10m Winds from the graphical selection tool found in the Grib Data section of GRIB.US website. The actual GRIB data is updated every 6 hours [runtime +5 hours], 3 hour time-steps, Global GFS Data, 7 day forecasts and native resolution of 0.5 x 0.5 degrees. You will be downloading a file with GRB format when you get GRIB weather data.

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OCENS GRIB Explorer

OCEAN Grib Explorer is a user-friendly but sophisticated application that allows users to view GRIB data whether they are wind, swell, precipitation, currents, temperatures, surface pressures, waves, cloud covers, salinity, currents, etc. All the information gathered regarding these data are viewed easily using this software. This software is mostly used by weathermen, sailors, fishermen, shipping lines, mariners and all professionals at sea since they are likely the ones who would try to measure waves, etc. in order to make sure their ocean travel path is smooth as well as in order for them to determine whether there are storm and other factors that can affect their trip. OCENS Grib Explorer is fully packed with features that make it effective such as display customization features, zoom, GPS support, multiple GRIB product animation, etc. This software also allows users to open GRIB data in full color. All in all, the software is used to easily and accurately read GRIB data for accurate weather reports.

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a word of warning

Be careful not to rename the extension on .grib files, or any other files. This will not change the file type. Only special conversion software can change a file from one file type to another.

what is a file extension?

A file extension is the set of three or four characters at the end of a filename; in this case, .grib. File extensions tell you what type of file it is, and tell Windows what programs can open it. Windows often associates a default program to each file extension, so that when you double-click the file, the program launches automatically. When that program is no longer on your PC, you can sometimes get an error when you try to open the associated file.