Wednesday, March 12News That Matters

Tag: weather forecasting

China Researchers Introduce New Model For Typhoon Forecasting Accuracy

China Researchers Introduce New Model For Typhoon Forecasting Accuracy

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
Researchers have introduced key improvements in numerical weather models significantly enhancing the ability to predict typhoon tracks and intensities. The study led by Dr. Xiaowei Tan from the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) Earth System Modeling and Prediction Centre, focuses on refining typhoon forecasts by improving parameterization schemes used in operational models. Published in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters, the research presents modifications to the CMA-TYM operational model, incorporating a new parameterization scheme for friction velocity at the ocean surface and a two-moment cloud microphysics scheme. These updates replace the original methods, leading to better predictions for Typhoon Kompasu (2118). Statistical analysis shows that the improved model e...
India Warns of Monsoon  Cyclone Forecast Risks as US Climate Cuts Shake Global Weather Tracking

India Warns of Monsoon Cyclone Forecast Risks as US Climate Cuts Shake Global Weather Tracking

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Opinions
Indian scientists have raised alarms over job cuts at the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, warning that reduced climate observations could disrupt India’s monsoon forecasts and cyclone tracking. The layoffs, part of the Donald Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce, have affected hundreds of meteorologists and climate experts responsible for weather monitoring and forecasting. Union Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran expressed concerns about the potential impact on weather predictions. He explained that fewer ocean observations mean less data for forecast models, ultimately reducing predictability. Climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll from the Indian Institute for Tropical Meteorology called the NOAA layoffs a global ...
Mass NOAA Layoffs Spark Outrage Raise Alarm Over Weather Forecasting, National Security

Mass NOAA Layoffs Spark Outrage Raise Alarm Over Weather Forecasting, National Security

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
Hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have been laid off as part of the Trump administration’s sweeping effort to reduce the size of the federal government. The move has triggered strong backlash from lawmakers, scientists, and former NOAA officials, who warn of severe risks to public safety, economic stability, and national security. The layoffs, which began on February 27, targeted probationary employees—those with less than two years of service or who had recently been promoted or transferred. The Commerce Department, which oversees NOAA, issued termination notices, with some employees given as little as two hours to leave their offices, according to NPR. Weather Forecasting at Risk NOAA plays a crucial role in weather forecasting, ...
Drones Poised to Revolutionize Weather Forecasting, Study Finds

Drones Poised to Revolutionize Weather Forecasting, Study Finds

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech
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...
Kerala Unveils KaWaCHaM Advanced Weather Alert System to Combat Climate Disasters

Kerala Unveils KaWaCHaM Advanced Weather Alert System to Combat Climate Disasters

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Tech
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched KaWaCHaM, a state-of-the-art weather alert system aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and response in the face of increasing climate emergencies. The system, introduced on January 21, 2025, is considered one of the fastest weather alert mechanisms globally, designed to enhance rescue and rehabilitation efforts during extreme weather events. The system, officially named Kerala Warnings Crisis and Hazards Management System, carries symbolic significance, as the word "KaWaCHaM" translates to "shield" in Malayalam, signifying protection. Developed by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), the project is part of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project, funded by the National Disaster Management Authority and t...
Wildfire Activity in Siberia Has Doubled Driven by Climate Change and Feedback Loops

Wildfire Activity in Siberia Has Doubled Driven by Climate Change and Feedback Loops

Breaking News, Disasters
Wildfire activity in central Siberia has doubled over the past two decades, with vast areas of forest scorched and massive amounts of carbon released from rich soils and permafrost. While Arctic warming is known to exacerbate wildfires, the specific factors driving these events have been difficult to pinpoint, complicating future predictions. New research by Huang et al. sheds light on the key mechanisms behind this surge in wildfire activity. The team found that the increase in Siberian fires is strongly linked to drought, drying soils, and decreased rainfall all symptoms of Arctic climate change. More worryingly, they identified a feedback loop in which wildfires further suppress precipitation, worsening drought conditions and making the region even more fire-prone. How Wildfires S...
Transformative AI Initiative Revolutionizes Extreme Weather Forecasting in East Africa

Transformative AI Initiative Revolutionizes Extreme Weather Forecasting in East Africa

Breaking News, Disasters, Tech
In a pioneering effort to revolutionize extreme weather forecasting and early warning systems, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Oxford University Physics Department, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), and various national meteorology agencies across East Africa have joined forces. This initiative comes at a crucial time for East Africa, where climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, from devastating droughts to deadly floods. Dr. Shruti Nath, a climate scientist at Oxford University Physics, emphasized the transformative potential of the new AI-based weather forecasting approach. Traditional models often fall short in predicting extreme weather, particularly in regions with limited resources and infrastructu...