Intensive Weather Forecast Testbed Initiated in Southern Africa

The WISER EWSA initiative has launched its second intensive forecasting testbed in Zambia to enhance weather prediction following recent cyclones. A multidisciplinary team will develop nowcasting methods and disseminate timely warnings to communities. The project focuses on improving the accuracy of forecasts and sustainability for future weather services in southern Africa.

On January 30, 2025, the Weather and Climate Information Services for Early Warnings in Southern Africa (WISER EWSA) launched its second intensive weather forecasting testbed in Lusaka, Zambia, supported by centers in South Africa and Mozambique. This initiative comes in the wake of Tropical Cyclones Dikeledi and Chido, which have recently devastated communities in Mozambique and Madagascar, leading to the loss of lives and significant damages.

The multidisciplinary team, comprising meteorologists, scientists, and economists, aims to enhance forecasting capabilities and disseminate critical weather forecasts to vulnerable populations. This testbed will continue until February 7, 2025, as a part of a larger king-size testbed initiated in October 2024, reflecting a concerted effort to improve weather prediction during the rainy season.

The project emphasizes the need for precise real-time weather information through nowcasting, which focuses on short-term storm developments. By actively engaging community observers, the WISER EWSA initiative aims to facilitate the timely dissemination of early warnings for severe weather, thereby enabling communities to prepare effectively and potentially save lives and property.

Recent severe weather events have underscored the urgent need for enhanced forecasting in southern Africa, where climate change exacerbates the frequency of hazardous weather incidents. The collaboration among meteorological services in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia is fostering ownership of nowcasting processes, thereby empowering local forecasters to independently issue timely weather alerts.

With the rising incidence of extreme weather events, it is critical to establish sustainable business models for delivering weather forecasts and nowcasting services, ensuring accessibility for all stakeholders. Workshops will be conducted to assess the socioeconomic benefits associated with regular early warning services and to discuss funding strategies that facilitate the operational sustainability of such initiatives.

Community engagement is paramount to this project, with volunteers playing an essential role in providing feedback on weather forecasts and raising awareness in their respective regions. Aligning these efforts with local disaster management programs ensures that early warning systems are integrated into broader disaster risk reduction strategies, enhancing their effectiveness.

In summary, the WISER EWSA initiative seeks to foster a collaborative approach to weather forecasting that bolsters community resilience, enhances the accuracy of weather predictions, and supports the sustainable operation of early warning systems across southern Africa. By emphasizing proactive engagement and rigorous training, this project aims to elevate public trust in meteorological services and their crucial role in safeguarding lives.

Southern Africa is prone to severe weather events, including tropical cyclones, which often result in loss of life and significant destruction. The increased frequency of these events is attributed to climate change, prompting a need for improved forecasting capabilities. The WISER programme’s Early Warnings for Southern Africa project represents a concerted effort to equip vulnerable communities with better forecasting information and support the development of effective early warning systems.

The WISER EWSA project exemplifies a significant investment in improving weather forecasting in southern Africa by bringing together meteorological experts and community stakeholders. Its focus on real-time nowcasting and community involvement aims to enhance public preparedness and resilience against hazardous weather events. Furthermore, establishing sustainable funding models will be essential for the longevity and efficacy of these critical services in the region.

Original Source: www.metoffice.gov.uk

About Nia Kumari

Nia Kumari is an accomplished lifestyle and culture journalist with a flair for storytelling. Growing up in a multicultural environment, she uses her diverse background to bring fresh perspectives to her work. With experience at leading lifestyle magazines, Nia's articles resonate with readers and celebrate the richness of cultural diversity in contemporary society.

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