Project provides new tools for weather man's toolbox

Abstract

Prof Rautenbach explains that NWP models are basically complex computer programs, run on supercomputers that provide predictions on atmospheric variables such as temperature, pressure, wind and rainfall by using intricate mathematical equations. These models may be used for short-term planning (daily forecasts); air pollution modelling (predicting wind conditions); seasonal risk analysis (seasonal forecasting); and future climate change projections. Project Provides New Tools for Weather Man’s Toolbox From ancient times when societies depended on close observation of nature for signs of coming rain to today’s sophisticated computer simulation technologies, weather forecasting has never been an exact science. However, a four-year project undertaken by the University of Pretoria’s Meteorology Group has brought South African weather men one step closer to knowing exactly what conditions to expect. Lani Holtzhausen reports.

Authors

Categories