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Seal tagging improves ocean forecasts

A UK-led study found that seal tags can improve ocean forecasts by providing valuable temperature and salinity recordings in regions rarely sampled. This could lead to better weather predictions and improved marine conditions for industries such as shipping and offshore oil and gas operations.

SourceWiley·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateDec 15, 2015

Largest ensemble simulation of global weather using real-world data

Researchers at RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science in Japan ran an enormous global weather simulation with 10,240 simulations of a model of the global atmosphere. They found that faraway observations can impact the eventual state of the weather forecast, which could lead to more accurate forecasts.

SourceRIKEN·JournalComputer·DateNov 10, 2015

Fireworks are fun but can reduce visibility

A study published in Weather found that fireworks on Guy Fawkes' night can reduce visibility by an average of 25% due to the release of hygroscopic particulate matter. This effect is exacerbated when relative humidity is high, posing significant safety risks for motorist and pedestrian safety.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalWeather·DateNov 2, 2015

'Ensemble' modeling could lead to better flu forecasts

A research team developed predictive models of flu-like activity combining data from Google, Twitter, EHRs, and crowd-sourced flu data. Ensemble modeling outperforms individual data sources and rivals CDC's retrospective reporting accuracy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 29, 2015

Forecasters look higher for clues to winter weather

Researchers at the University of Reading and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts found that accounting for unusual winds miles up in the stratosphere can make long-range winter weather forecasts twice as accurate. This allows forecasters to predict extreme winter weather events up to four weeks before they occur, providi...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 12, 2015

Harnessing the butterfly effect

A new method developed by McGill University professor Shaun Lovejoy could significantly improve atmospheric forecasting accuracy, particularly over long periods. By leveraging the atmosphere's long-term memory, Lovejoy's approach shows promise in explaining the 'pause' in global warming since 1998.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 18, 2015