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08/11/2010
Met Office 'Hail' Weather Breakthrough
Be it rain, hail or snow, a major breakthrough in forecasting the impact and number of Atlantic tropical storms has been achieved, said Met Office scientists today.
New research, published on Nature Geoscience web site today, revealed that the Decadal Climate Prediction System (DePreSys), developed at the Met Office, extends successful storm activity forecasts beyond the current season, providing predictions years ahead.
"Being able to predict hurricane frequency well beyond the seasonal timescale represents a real step-change in capability", said Matt Huddleston, Principle Climate Consultant at the Met Office.
"Tropical storms present arguably the most destructive weather on the planet. Being able to reliably predict how many storms may occur over a number of years means increased confidence in making strategic plans. Armed with such information, financial and energy sectors will have a genuine advantage."
Willis Research Network says the research has serious implications for the way insurers assess risk, allocate capital and strategically manage their portfolios going forward.
There is a strong link between the environmental factors in the tropical Atlantic that affect hurricane formation and remote ocean conditions in the north Atlantic and the tropical Pacific.
Doug Smith, the paper's lead author and Met Office specialist in decadal forecasting, said: "Our study is important for understanding the mechanisms of multi-year hurricane variability, and shows that forecasting hurricane activity beyond a single year is viable using dynamical computer models."
The study has also examined the recent increase in Atlantic hurricane activity and concluded this was not exclusively linked to natural fluctuations of ocean temperature. Looking forward, Dr Smith said: "This opens the door for further research to determine the relative importance of the different factors, be these greenhouse gases, aerosols, volcanic eruptions or solar activity."
(BMcC/KMcA)
New research, published on Nature Geoscience web site today, revealed that the Decadal Climate Prediction System (DePreSys), developed at the Met Office, extends successful storm activity forecasts beyond the current season, providing predictions years ahead.
"Being able to predict hurricane frequency well beyond the seasonal timescale represents a real step-change in capability", said Matt Huddleston, Principle Climate Consultant at the Met Office.
"Tropical storms present arguably the most destructive weather on the planet. Being able to reliably predict how many storms may occur over a number of years means increased confidence in making strategic plans. Armed with such information, financial and energy sectors will have a genuine advantage."
Willis Research Network says the research has serious implications for the way insurers assess risk, allocate capital and strategically manage their portfolios going forward.
There is a strong link between the environmental factors in the tropical Atlantic that affect hurricane formation and remote ocean conditions in the north Atlantic and the tropical Pacific.
Doug Smith, the paper's lead author and Met Office specialist in decadal forecasting, said: "Our study is important for understanding the mechanisms of multi-year hurricane variability, and shows that forecasting hurricane activity beyond a single year is viable using dynamical computer models."
The study has also examined the recent increase in Atlantic hurricane activity and concluded this was not exclusively linked to natural fluctuations of ocean temperature. Looking forward, Dr Smith said: "This opens the door for further research to determine the relative importance of the different factors, be these greenhouse gases, aerosols, volcanic eruptions or solar activity."
(BMcC/KMcA)
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16 June 2011
Met Office Team To Maximise Wind Energy
Met Office experts will be presenting new ways to maximise wind farm investment at wind energy conferences in Scotland this week in light of the volatility of wind resource over the last year. Weather patterns, and crucially wind speeds, underpin the success for this type renewable energy.
Met Office Team To Maximise Wind Energy
Met Office experts will be presenting new ways to maximise wind farm investment at wind energy conferences in Scotland this week in light of the volatility of wind resource over the last year. Weather patterns, and crucially wind speeds, underpin the success for this type renewable energy.
08 August 2014
Yellow Severe Weather Warning Issued
A severe weather warning has been issued for Wales. The Met Office has issued the yellow warning, saying that heavy rain, strong winds and large waves along the coast, could affect transport and cause disruptions. The weather is being created by the remains of Atlantic hurricane Bertha, which is making its way towards the UK, the Met Office said.
Yellow Severe Weather Warning Issued
A severe weather warning has been issued for Wales. The Met Office has issued the yellow warning, saying that heavy rain, strong winds and large waves along the coast, could affect transport and cause disruptions. The weather is being created by the remains of Atlantic hurricane Bertha, which is making its way towards the UK, the Met Office said.
20 October 2014
Met Office Warn Of Strong Winds And Heavy Rain
The Met Office has issued a weather warning as the remains of Hurricane Gonzalo is set to reach the UK. The forecaster has said that winds of up to 60mph and heavy rain is expected to affect most of the UK by Tuesday. A "be aware" warning has been issued for Northern Ireland, northern England, northern Wales and parts of Scotland.
Met Office Warn Of Strong Winds And Heavy Rain
The Met Office has issued a weather warning as the remains of Hurricane Gonzalo is set to reach the UK. The forecaster has said that winds of up to 60mph and heavy rain is expected to affect most of the UK by Tuesday. A "be aware" warning has been issued for Northern Ireland, northern England, northern Wales and parts of Scotland.
30 August 2011
FOC Advises Britons Trapped By Irene
The British Foreign Office has issued advice for any of its citizens trapped in the US Hurricane Irene. The east coast of America was ravaged in recent days by the Category 3 hurricane Irene, claiming over 40 lives and leaving many areas still without power.
FOC Advises Britons Trapped By Irene
The British Foreign Office has issued advice for any of its citizens trapped in the US Hurricane Irene. The east coast of America was ravaged in recent days by the Category 3 hurricane Irene, claiming over 40 lives and leaving many areas still without power.
22 September 2005
Mass evacuation in progress as Hurricane nears US
A mass evacuation is underway along parts of the Gulf coast of the US as Hurricane Rita is upgraded to a Category Five storm. Wind speeds of up to 175mph are forecast to hit the Texan coast as meteorologists track the course of the slowly advancing storm, one of the most intense ever to threaten the US.
Mass evacuation in progress as Hurricane nears US
A mass evacuation is underway along parts of the Gulf coast of the US as Hurricane Rita is upgraded to a Category Five storm. Wind speeds of up to 175mph are forecast to hit the Texan coast as meteorologists track the course of the slowly advancing storm, one of the most intense ever to threaten the US.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
