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Drones Poised to Revolutionize Weather Forecasting, Study Finds
As the climate crisis intensifies, accurate weather forecasting has never been more critical. From predicting devastating hurricanes to preparing for record-breaking heatwaves, numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems have become vital in safeguarding lives and livelihoods. However, these systems rely heavily on costly and complex data collection methods, including weather balloons and ground-based stations. A groundbreaking study from Japan has now demonstrated that drones equipped with meteorological sensors could provide a practical and affordable alternative, revolutionizing the way atmospheric data is gathered.
Led by Professor Jun Inoue from the National Institute of Polar Research, the research team conducted a two-month field campaign in Tsukuba City to test the feasibility of...