Articles tagged with Weather Forecasting
A recent MIT study found that high-energy electron activity in space may contribute to failures in geostationary satellites. The research team analyzed data from eight satellites and found that most failures occurred during declining phases of the solar cycle, particularly when Kp index was three or less.
Typhoon Man-yi made landfall in southern Japan and quickly crossed the big island, dropping heavy rainfall and causing deadly mudslides. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecast track predicts Man-yi will head northeast into the Sea of Okhotsk by Sept. 17.
Data from NASA's Global Hawk aircraft assisted forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in analyzing Tropical Storm Gabrielle. The system showed a tilted structure with southerly to southwesterly vertical shear, and dry air in the mid-levels of the atmosphere.
Researchers have developed a new tool that can predict fish habitat conditions six months in advance. The JISAO Seasonal Coastal Ocean Prediction of the Ecosystem (J-SCOPE) uses global climate models and regional coastal ocean simulations to forecast ocean temperatures, oxygen levels, and phytoplankton blooms.
A series of devastating wildfires has swept through Idaho, with multiple fires burning out of control due to strong winds and hot temperatures. The largest fire, the Beaver Creek Fire, has grown to over 100,000 acres and threatens nearby towns and ski resorts.
Tropical Storm Pewa has formed in the central Pacific, according to NASA's satellite imagery. System 90C, located about 775 miles south-southwest of Kauai, Hawaii, has a medium chance (30%) of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours.
The successful deployment of the GOES-R satellite's magnetometer boom will enhance space weather forecasting, predicting geomagnetic storms with greater accuracy. This technology improvement supports better protection of property, public safety, and economic development.
A new study from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center found that climate data can predict crop failures several months before harvest. The team developed a crop model incorporating temperature and precipitation forecasts, which accurately predicted crop yield or failure for about 20% of global cropland.
A new study developed a robust model for predicting corn yields using easily obtained measurements, such as plant morphology and precipitation. The model was tested across multiple environments and found accurate results, providing valuable insights for farmers and biofuel industries.
Tropical Storm Dalila has weakened near the southwestern Mexico coast, while a new tropical low pressure area called System 97E has formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The storm's maximum sustained winds dropped to 65 mph on July 2, and it is now moving away from the coast into open waters.
A total of 27 fires are currently burning in northeast Manitoba, with areas at risk due to dry conditions. The wildfires have burned approximately 126,000 hectares and pose a significant threat to local communities.
Tropical Storm Dalila is closely tracking the southwestern coast of Mexico, prompting a tropical storm warning and watch. The National Hurricane Center expects Dalila to intensify over the next couple of days, with minimum central pressure dropping from 1003 millibars.
The University of Michigan ecologist predicts a very large and potentially record-setting 2013 Gulf of Mexico 'dead zone,' expected to be between 7,286 and 8,561 square miles. This would be roughly equivalent to the size of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia combined.
The NOAA is predicting a record-setting deadzone in the Gulf of Mexico, spanning between 7,286 and 8,561 square miles. This would be among the largest ever recorded, potentially affecting commercially important fisheries and the regional economy.
The Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System-Tropical Cyclone (COAMPS-TC) offers detailed intensity forecasts of tropical storms, improving accuracy for Navy and civilian officials. The new model will help predict a storm's strength from one to five days out, supporting fleet operations and disaster relief efforts.
Researchers found that European winter weather is more challenging to forecast when the Atlantic airflow is weaker, leading to more complicated weather patterns. This phenomenon is linked to the North Atlantic Oscillation, which affects the relationship between atmospheric pressure systems and European weather conditions.
An interdisciplinary team from MIT identified cirrus clouds' major seeds as mineral dust and metallic aerosols. The study found that these particles freeze into ice crystals, influencing global climate patterns.
University of Manchester scientists discover sting jets in storms, shedding light on violent windstorms like the Great Storm of 1987 and January 2012 gusts. Their findings provide added knowledge for forecasters.
A NASA-University of Iowa collaboration uses ground instruments and satellite observations to improve flood forecasting. The study evaluates the accuracy of NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission satellite rainfall data.
The University of California, Berkeley will design, build, and operate the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) satellite to study the impact of Earth's weather on space weather. The satellite aims to improve forecasts of extreme space weather events that can disrupt GPS signals and radio communications.
Researchers developed a high-speed camera system to photograph snowflakes in 3D as they fall, capturing their true complexity and size. The Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera collects vast amounts of data to improve weather forecasting models and simulate precipitation.
A 'moderate' red tide is expected in New England this spring and summer due to toxic algae Alexandrium fundyense. The forecast is based on cyst abundance data and toxicity records, with a range of bloom scenarios possible.
Suomi NPP, a partnership between NASA and NOAA, supports Earth science research and weather forecasting by providing critical data for global change science and improving short-term weather forecasts. The satellite's observations help advance science and increase the accuracy of meteorological predictions.
Researchers at NCAR are creating a prototype system to forecast sunlight and resulting power every 15 minutes, enabling utilities to continuously anticipate available solar energy. The project aims to improve cloud prediction accuracy, helping utilities tap into solar energy more effectively and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Tropical Storm Haruna formed on Feb. 19 after four days of organization, with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots. NASA satellites provided visible and infrared imagery that helped forecasters track the system's development.
Researchers are using smartphone pressure sensors to develop better weather forecasting techniques, which could significantly improve short-term forecasts. The PressureNet app collects data from Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy S3 and Nexus 4 smartphones, and Motorola Xoom tablets.
Red tide alerts have been added to Beach Hazards Statements by NOAA, providing public warnings for moderate or high respiratory impacts and environmental threats in southwest Florida. The new service aims to broaden awareness about harmful algal blooms and their potential impacts on human health.
Cyclone Garry's powerful thunderstorms fueled heavy rainfall over the open waters of the Southern Pacific Ocean. The storm was predicted to weaken while moving toward the southeast, eventually becoming an extra-tropical cyclone.
A BYU mechanical engineering professor's research reveals that internal waves play a crucial role in predicting weather, leading to frequent forecasting mistakes. By understanding how these waves move energy around, forecasters can develop better linear wave models to improve their predictions.
The system uses a novel real-time method to obtain information on road conditions, providing direct warnings to drivers before they notice changes in the road. By transmitting observations from multiple vehicles and sensors, the system can create a real-time slipperiness map, making it safer for all users.
Tropical Storm Oswald weakened over land in the southwestern Cape York Peninsula of Queenstown, Australia, with maximum sustained winds dropping from 35 knots to 25 knots. The storm brought thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusts up to 90 kph, posing a threat to locations including Aurukun, Weipa, and Cooktown.
The JPSS-1 Spacecraft has completed its delta Critical Design Review, demonstrating that the development of the spacecraft is on track to provide critical environmental data. The success of this review marks an important milestone in the project, with the spacecraft now approved to proceed into implementation.
Tropical Storm Emang showed sinking air in its southwestern quadrant, weakening convection. The storm's low-level center became slightly elongated, hindering intensification, but forecasters expect improved atmospheric conditions to strengthen the storm.
Tropical Cyclone Emang developed with strong convection and moderate to heavy rainfall around its center. The storm is expected to slowly intensify over the next couple of days as it travels over open ocean, reaching peak intensity by the end of the week.
Cyclone Dumile made landfall on La Reunion and Mauritius, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas. The storm's eye had formed by Jan. 2, with satellite imagery showing a ring of coldest clouds around the center.
Post-tropical Storm Freda has weakened significantly over three days, from a powerful cyclone to a remnant low pressure area. NASA satellites captured the storm's decline, showing strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in New Caledonia.
Cyclone Freda intensified over the Southern Pacific Ocean due to warming waters, with NASA satellites measuring increased rainfall and a widening eye. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached 105 knots, posing a threat to Vanuatu with heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Cyclone Evan is one of the strongest to affect Fiji in almost two decades, causing widespread damage and flooding. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center uses NASA satellite data to forecast its path, which may be the strongest storm to hit Fiji since 1993.
Tropical Storm Evan has caused regional warnings to be posted in American Samoa and Fiji, with a gale warning and storm watch in effect. The strongest thunderstorms are located around the center of circulation and in a band of thunderstorms north and east of the center.
A new system developed by NCAR combines satellite data and computer weather models to predict potentially dangerous atmospheric conditions. The system provides pilots with critical information about storms, turbulence, and lightning, helping to improve flight safety over remote ocean regions.
Typhoon Bopha intensified into a typhoon with NASA's TRMM satellite capturing rainfall data and noticing 'Hot Tower' thunderstorms. The storm had several hot towers over 9.3 miles high, indicating an increased risk of intensification.
Tropical Storm Bopha is moving through Micronesia in the western North Pacific Ocean, triggering warnings and watches. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and wind gusts to Woleai and surrounding islands, with the center passing about 180 miles south of Woleai on Friday night.
The GOES-R Series Program has completed a successful review, demonstrating readiness to launch the new series starting in late 2015. The new satellites will provide improved weather forecasts and warnings, with enhanced imaging and atmospheric observations.
Researchers have adapted weather forecasting techniques to predict local flu outbreaks, providing weeks of warning before the peak. The system uses data assimilation and Google Flu Trends to estimate flu-related sickness in regions, allowing health officials to better prepare and make informed decisions.
A new system uses real-time data and techniques from weather forecasting to predict the timing and severity of seasonal influenza outbreaks. The forecast can inform decisions on vaccine stockpiling and school closures, ultimately improving public health preparedness.
Tropical Depression 26W is threatening islands within Micronesia with heavy rain and strong winds. NASA's TRMM satellite imagery showed large, fragmented thunderstorms containing heavy rain and towering convective towers indicating intensification.
Hurricane Sandy was a massive storm that covered 1.8 million square miles from the Mid-Atlantic to Canada and New England. NASA satellites captured its size, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph and minimum central pressure rising to 952 millibars.
Hurricane Sandy is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Mid-Atlantic region, with forecasters calling it a potential 'Frankenstorm'. NASA satellites have provided crucial rainfall data, helping predict total rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches across Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Hurricane Paul has strengthened into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 90 mph, posing a threat to Baja California with heavy rainfall expected between 2-4 inches. The National Hurricane Center warns of dangerous surf and tropical storm conditions along the coast by Oct 16.
Tropical Storm Nadine is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to the Azores on Oct. 3 and early Oct. 4, according to NASA data. The National Hurricane Center forecasts some weakening over the next two days, but Nadine will still be a tropical storm when it moves near or over the Azores.
Tropical Storm Nadine's center maintains a visible eye in infrared imagery, indicating its ability to withstand weakening winds. The system is expected to approach the Azores by Oct. 3, while System 96L shows potential for development into a tropical depression.
Tropical Storm Jelawat forms in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing its true-color image on Sept. 20. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 45 knots, moving west-southwest at 7 knots.
A study found that climate-prediction models excel at predicting global climate trends over 30-year time frames but struggle with shorter time frames and smaller geographical regions. The researchers used historical climate records to evaluate seven computer simulation models, revealing their reliability on different scales.
The Met Office's new 'high-top' system better warns of severe winter conditions by accounting for sudden stratospheric warmings. This improved model predicted a cold start to the 2010/11 winter, which turned out to be the second-coldest in 350 years of records.
A University of Missouri scientist suggests that earthquake hazard maps often fail due to bad assumptions, data, physics, and luck. Developing better maps and alerting people to their limitations could potentially save lives and money in areas prone to earthquakes.
Tropical Storm Tembin made landfall in southwestern South Korea, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing the storm's elongated cloud cover. The storm's central convection was decaying rapidly due to southwesterly wind shear, losing its energy.
Typhoon Tembin is intensifying and moving towards Taiwan, with forecasted landfall on August 23. Tropical Storm Bolaven is also strengthening and expected to become a typhoon as it heads northwest around August 25-26. Both storms are being closely monitored by NASA satellites.
The study reveals that horizontal convective rolls affected fire behaviour, introducing variability in wind, temperature, and humidity conditions. This new understanding has the potential to improve fire management and warning systems, providing a better guide for public warning systems and firefighting resources.
Tropical Storm 13W showed strong uplift and high cloud tops north and east of its center, indicating powerful atmosphere circulation. Forecasters expect the storm to maintain intensity while tracking into drier air, preventing further intensification.
A study by Stanford University and the World Bank found that Tanzania has the potential to increase its maize exports due to predicted dry and hot weather affecting major consumer countries. The country's diverse trading partners could help hedge against severe dry weather, allowing it to profit from exports in good years.