Feature: A storm short-range weather models didn’t see
“As a forecaster at the Kenyan Meteorological Department, I am always looking out for anything that can improve the accuracy of our forecasts and actually impact the people who will receive them so that they are able to take the necessary action to protect their lives and property. What we need now is more specialised […]
Using Climatology in Forecasting Convection in West and Central Africa
This case-study lesson provides an opportunity to apply the information in the ASMET lesson “Satellite-Derived Climatology Products for Monitoring Convection Over West and Central Africa” to a case that occurred over West and Central Africa in June 2014. It demonstrates how to integrate climatology information with satellite, global instability indices (GII), and NWP data when […]
Satellite-Derived Climatology Products for Monitoring Convection Over West and Central Africa
A weather forecaster’s knowledge of climatology is important to the success of a forecast, especially where convection is involved. That’s particularly true over Central and West Africa, where convection has a strong diurnal cycle and usually develops over particular geographic regions and during specific time intervals. The lesson describes satellite-derived cloud climatology products and several […]
Forecasting Heavy Rains and Landslides in Eastern Africa
Good rainfall draws many people to settle across the eastern Africa highlands for farming and other businesses. However, factors such as steep terrain, logging, livestock grazing, agriculture, and construction, have increased erosion and contributed to less stable slopes. These factors can lead to devastating landslides and mudslides, especially during episodes of very heavy rain. Forecasting […]
Basic Satellite and NWP Integration
NWP is one of the most important forecasting tools in our toolbox. Yet identifying when/where it isn’t capturing reality is difficult. In the short-term forecasting range, it is important as a forecaster to identify when/where NWP output isn’t matching reality. Then you can make appropriate changes to the forecast output. To find those mismatches anywhere […]
Orages et activités aéronautiques en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre
Les risques associés aux systèmes convectifs constituent une partie importante des situations dangereuses vécues par les aéronefs et posent de nombreux défis à l’exploitation aéronautique. Lorsque des orages sont prévus se développer, les prévisionnistes aéronautiques sont tenues d’élaborer une série de messages d’alerte et d’autres produits météorologiques pour divers membres de la communauté aéronautique. Ce […]
Convective Weather and Aviation in West and Central Africa
The hazards associated with convective systems present some of the most dangerous conditions encountered by aircraft and pose many challenges to aviation operations. When convection is forecast to develop, aviation forecasters are required to issue a series of warning messages and other meteorological aeronautical products to various members of the aviation community. This lesson teaches […]