WISER EWSA Launches Intensive Weather Forecast Testbed in Southern Africa
The WISER EWSA initiative commences a new intensive testbed focusing on enhancing weather forecasting and early warning systems in Zambia, South Africa, and Mozambique. Following devastating cyclones, a multidisciplinary team will collaborate to improve community preparedness and disseminate critical weather information. The initiative aims to bolster meteorological capabilities while addressing socioeconomic challenges associated with regular weather warnings.
On January 30, 2025, the Weather and Climate Information Services for Eastern and Southern Africa (WISER EWSA) will initiate its second intensive weather forecast testbed in Lusaka, Zambia, alongside centers in South Africa and Mozambique. This follows recent cyclones in the region that caused significant destruction, including the loss of lives and displacement of communities. A multidisciplinary team of experts aims to enhance forecasting capabilities and disseminate vital weather information to at-risk communities to bolster their preparedness for severe weather events.
The recent destructive storms, Cyclones Dikeledi and Chido, highlight the region’s vulnerability to severe weather, disrupting countless lives and properties. Dikeledi resulted in nearly ten fatalities and thousands of displacements, while Chido was far more catastrophic, causing over 100 deaths and extensive property damage. These events emphasize the pressing need for improved early warning systems as climate change intensifies southern Africa’s weather challenges.
The WISER EWSA project brings together meteorologists, scientists, and user engagement specialists for a week-long intensive testbed. This initiative uses real-life scenarios to assess and refine forecasting methodologies, following a previous nowcasting testbed conducted in early 2024. The current testbed runs from January 30 to February 7, 2025, as part of a broader king-size testbed that commenced in October 2024.
During the intensive testbed, community observers will receive timely updates and feedback requests on the accuracy of forecasts, contrasting the previous approach of limited communication during extreme weather. Nowcasting significantly improves the understanding of imminent storms, providing essential early warnings that can save lives and property. The project also aligns with the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative, aiming to establish a comprehensive global early warning system by 2027.
Dr. Ishaam Abader, CEO of the South African Weather Service, outlines the project’s focus on empowering disadvantaged urban areas and enhancing meteorological forecasting capabilities in collaboration with community-based organizations. Prof. Douglas Parker from the University of Leeds emphasizes the lessons learned from previous testbeds to create tailored solutions for communities at risk.
On an operational front, Dr. Itzel San Roman Pineda notes the increasing capability of local meteorological services to issue independent nowcasts, underscoring growing confidence among forecasters. Effective dissemination of these nowcasting messages is crucial; the project aims to diversify communication channels to ensure greater accessibility and clarity for the public.
Recognizing the socioeconomic challenges of maintaining nowcasting operations, the project will host workshops to discuss sustainable business models and resource strategies to support ongoing forecasting capabilities. Key stakeholders will be engaged to explore options for funding and resourcing to implement these services long-term.
Community engagement has proven vital, as volunteers in Zambia and Mozambique provide feedback and promote awareness about weather warnings in local areas, often in cooperation with disaster management bodies. Dr. Katharine Vincent highlights this grassroots involvement as crucial for the successful integration of early warning systems into existing disaster risk reduction frameworks.
WISER EWSA employs a collaborative approach to improve weather services, focusing on increasing trust and legitimacy in forecasting information. This ongoing process has shifted community perceptions about the value of weather forecasts, illustrating that enhanced information can play a critical role in mitigating weather-related risks.
The article discusses the launch of the second intensive weather forecast testbed under the WISER EWSA initiative, aimed at improving meteorological forecasting and early warning systems in southern Africa. This is in response to the severe impacts of recent cyclones that devastated communities in Mozambique and Madagascar. By leveraging expertise from various disciplines, the project seeks to enhance the dissemination of weather warnings and facilitate community preparedness, ultimately aiming to reduce the risks associated with increasingly severe weather events as climate change progresses.
The WISER EWSA initiative represents a proactive step towards enhancing weather forecasting and early warning systems in southern Africa, particularly in the wake of recent destructive storms. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and focused methodologies, the project aims to equip vulnerable populations with the necessary tools and information to safeguard lives and property against the escalating threats posed by climate change. Addressing the socioeconomic implications and fostering stronger communication channels are critical for the long-term success and sustainability of weather services in the region.
Original Source: www.metoffice.gov.uk
