WISER EWSA Launches Intensive Weather Forecast Testbed in Southern Africa
The WISER EWSA initiative initiates its second intensive weather forecasting testbed in southern Africa from January 30 to February 7, 2025, in response to the recent devastations caused by tropical cyclones. This multidisciplinary effort focuses on improving forecasting methods and disseminating critical weather alerts to vulnerable communities, aiming for enhanced preparedness against severe weather threats and climate-related adversities.
On January 30, 2025, the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) Early Warnings for Southern Africa (EWSA) initiative will commence its second intensive weather forecasting testbed in Lusaka, Zambia, with additional hubs in South Africa and Mozambique. This event arises following the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclones Dikeledi and Chido, which recently wreaked havoc on Mozambique and Madagascar. The assembled team of meteorological professionals aims to enhance forecasting capabilities and communicate vital weather alerts to at-risk communities across the region.
The adverse impact of severe weather is evident, as Cyclone Dikeledi caused significant rainfall and wind gusts, resulting in multiple fatalities and dislodging thousands. Cyclone Chido, even more devastating, led to over 100 deaths and substantial damage, including properties left in ruins and communities struggling for safety. Such calamities spotlight the increasing vulnerability of southern Africa to severe weather events exacerbated by climate change.
This multidisciplinary group will engage in collaborative efforts to refine early warning systems, an approach that was pioneered during the first intensive testbed in early 2024. The current initiative, running from January 30 to February 7, 2025, is part of a larger ‘king-size’ testbed cycle set to persist until April 2025. During this intensive phase, feedback from community observers will be actively solicited to validate the accuracy and accessibility of forecasting information.
Nowcasting, which focuses on the short-term evolution of weather systems, allows for timely alerts regarding severe conditions. The WISER EWSA underscores the importance of early warnings for storms, which can facilitate community preparedness and mitigate risks to lives and property. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ goal of providing early warnings for everyone by 2027.
The objective of the WISER EWSA initiative is to address the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns that disrupt lives and infrastructure. Mr. Ishaam Abader, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Weather Service, indicated that the project particularly targets underprivileged urban areas while improving meteorological capabilities. Community engagement is a critical aspect as local residents actively contribute insights and solutions tailored to their needs.
Technical advancements have been noted, with meteorological services in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia gaining confidence in nowcasting. Dr. Itzel San Roman Pineda highlights the enhanced operational capacities of these services. However, challenges in swiftly sharing nowcasting messages remain, necessitating innovative communication strategies to ensure timely dissemination of vital information to affected individuals.
Additionally, the sustainability of nowcasting processes in light of recurrent weather events necessitates strategic resource management. Dr. Adriaan Perrels emphasized the project’s commitment to assessing the socioeconomic benefits derived from effective early warning services in participating countries. Engagement in workshops involving key stakeholders aims to explore viable funding options for maintaining warning systems beyond the current project framework.
Community engagement has proven vital, as volunteers across the three countries provide valuable feedback on nowcasts while conducting outreach to raise awareness of early warning systems. Dr. Katharine Vincent noted the integration of these volunteer efforts with local disaster management committees to reinforce community-level disaster risk reduction strategies.
The WISER EWSA employs a co-production approach to improve the efficacy of climate services by integrating feedback from both producers and users of weather information. The gradual increase in community trust towards weather forecasts reflects the project’s success, encouraging residents to recognize the importance of timely weather information in safeguarding their livelihoods.
The WISER EWSA initiative represents a collaboration of meteorological experts aimed at improving weather forecasting and early warning systems in southern Africa, particularly amidst increased climate-related adversities. This testbed program facilitates practical testing of forecasting methods and effective communication strategies, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive timely alerts about hazardous weather. The ongoing work in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia seeks to bolster both scientific and community capacities to respond to severe weather events effectively.
The second intensive weather forecast testbed under the WISER EWSA initiative aims to enhance early warning systems across southern Africa in light of the increasing risk from climate change and severe weather events. By fostering collaboration between meteorologists and local communities, the program seeks to bolster preparedness, improve forecasting methodologies, and sustain effective communication strategies. The insights gained will contribute to the long-term resilience of communities vulnerable to weather-related disasters.
Original Source: www.metoffice.gov.uk
