As humans, we have learned that there are limitations in what we can predict the atmosphere will do. It’s a chaotic system with many tiny details that influence how the atmosphere evolves. Thus, humans developed computer forecast models – complex computer programs that run on the world’s fastest supercomputers and solve the intricate fundamental equations...
Event Summary: The late June heatwave that gripped the Pacific Northwest and southwestern Canada for several days didn’t just break numerous all-time records; it shattered them. Sadly, over 1,400 deaths were attributed to this heatwave, the result of unprecedented high temperatures in an area unaccustomed and ill-equipped to handle the heat of this magnitude. While...
“That is when we reach the limits of understanding the phenomena, especially in extreme weather such as tornadoes, heatwaves, floods and snowfall,” says Floehr. If machines in such chaotic systems recognize patterns that humans do not understand, it might even save lives, says Floehr: “Conventional models tend to smooth out extremes”. Read more…
Ever since wireless technology providers began initial moves to this fifth generation technology in 2019, a lengthy debate has resulted revolving around that specific question. The problem involves the very close proximity of several 5G frequency bands to frequencies used by weather satellites, which use these frequencies to measure the current state of the atmosphere....
Have you ever wanted to know where the best places to live are in the United States that provide you with the most or least accurate weather forecasts for the following day? If so, we can help! ForecastWatch analyzed forecasts for the year 2020 for over 650 locations across the United States to help you...
In today’s ultra-sophisticated, data-rich environment, where forecasts are generated at the push of a button, it can be hard to imagine that weather prognostication was once a new and rudimentary science. Yet, it wasn’t that long ago when forecasting was in its infancy. An article in The New Yorker detailed the fascinating evolution of forecasts...
We are living in the age of influence. Look no further than the number of Kim Kardashian followers on Instagram or the number of views the latest viral video has received. The power of influence is wielded by savvy marketers to strengthen a brand and to generate presumed expertise. However, it doesn’t work that way...
Smoke Contributes to Inaccurate Forecasts This month’s epic fires in the western United States have been among the worst ever. As of this writing, they’ve burned close to 7 million acres, killed almost 40 people, and contributed to unhealthy air and greatly reduced visibility in many western cities. These fires have had other consequences as...
Many people associate the importance of weather forecast accuracy with everyday needs, such as planning an outdoor picnic, avoiding driving when roads are expected to be snowy and icy, or determining when to water gardens and crops. However, the impact of weather on businesses is far greater, often hitting the bottom line. Weather plays a...
There’s no shortage of weather apps on the market. Some are veritable works of art with colorful, state-of-the-art graphics, while others cut to the chase, providing hard weather information in a more direct way. All purport to give you the essential information you need, but which ones are most accurate? The answer to that question...
