The WISER EWSA initiative is launching its second intensive weather forecasting testbed on January 30, 2025, in Zambia, following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclones Dikeledi and Chido. The multidisciplinary team aims to enhance forecasting capabilities and disseminate life-saving weather warnings to at-risk communities in southern Africa during this week-long event.
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 Zambia, while also operating in South Africa and Mozambique. This follows the destructive impacts of Tropical Cyclones Dikeledi and Chido in early 2025, which resulted in significant loss of life and widespread displacement. The primary goal of the testbed is to enhance meteorological forecasts and disseminate life-saving weather warnings to vulnerable populations.
The recent cyclones have highlighted southern Africa’s vulnerability to severe weather, causing fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure. Cyclone Dikeledi, which struck earlier in January, killed almost ten individuals and displaced thousands, while Cyclone Chido, known for its winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, led to over 100 fatalities in Mozambique. These devastating events underscore the critical need for accurate and timely weather forecasts as climate change exacerbates such occurrences in the region.
This multidisciplinary team of meteorologists, scientists, and user engagement specialists is embarking on a collaborative effort to refine forecasting methodologies through a week-long intensive testbed. This initiative is part of WISER EWSA’s larger project that aims to improve weather information services and reduce disaster risks for communities across southern Africa. The testbed, running from January 30 to February 7, 2025, represents a significant commitment to enhancing forecasting capabilities and community resilience.
Southern Africa is increasingly susceptible to severe weather events, with significant tremors felt from the impacts of Tropical Cyclones Dikeledi and Chido. These cyclones have resulted in tragic loss of life and displacement, emphasizing the pressing need for improved weather forecasting systems. The WISER EWSA initiative aims to strengthen the forecasting processes through collaborative efforts and a focus on community engagement, seeking to mitigate such disasters in the future.
In conclusion, the WISER EWSA’s second intensive weather forecasting testbed represents an important step toward enhancing southern Africa’s preparedness for severe weather events. With a focus on community engagement and collaboration among technical experts, the initiative aims to improve early warning systems and mitigate the impacts of future weather-related disasters. The commitment to learning from past events will hopefully lead to more effective responses and increased safety for vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.metoffice.gov.uk
