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News from MembersThe material in this section is posted as received from WMO Members. Click here for guidance on submitting contributions. A new research programme to achieve an improved understanding of the Earth system for the Baltic Sea region (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute)
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A new international and interdisciplinary research programme, Baltic Earth, is launched. The aim of Baltic Earth is to achieve an improved understanding of the Earth system for the Baltic Sea region, focusing on physical and biogeochemical processes which interact in the atmosphere, in the sea including sea ice, and on land. Human interactions with the environment are recognized as an important part of the regional Earth system.
What determines the salinity dynamics in the Baltic Sea? What are the biogeochemical fluxes and feedbacks between the land and the sea? How can we predict extreme events like floods in the Baltic Sea region? What are the sea level dynamics in the Baltic Sea? What are the human impacts on the environment and how do they change the regional Earth system?
These are some core research questions, so called Grand Challenges, already identified for Baltic Earth. In order to tackle these questions, the new programme will combine an analysis of observations, multi-model systems and various outreach activities. >> More
Rarely has May in Germany seen so much rain. At the same time, the country was divided in terms of weather: a colder western half with very little sunshine and a quite warm eastern half with more sunshine. Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) press officer Uwe Kirsche took stock of the last four weeks: “It was definitely not the Merry Month of May as re-gards the weather, neither in terms of measured temperatures nor people’s perception,” as shown by the initial analysis by the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) of the data from around 2,000 weather stations." >> More
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Durante el mes de abril de 2013, en buena parte del territorio nacional se registraron cantidades de lluvia entre normal y ligeramente por debajo de lo normal; algunos déficits moderados se observaron en San Andrés y Providencia, La Guajira y en sectores de los Santanderes. Sin embargo, es importante señalar, que en el mes también se registraron algunas cantidades de lluvia ligeramente por encima de los valores medios de la época, en sectores de Arauca, Cundinamarca, Norte de Chocó, Atlántico, Cauca y Amazonas.
En los gráficos 1a, 1b, 1c y 1d, se detalla el comportamiento de las lluvias para algunas ciudades del país en relación con lo que llueve normalmente durante el mes (línea roja correspondiente al 100%); como se observa, solamente ciudades como Bogotá, Barrancabermeja, Valledupar y Villavicencio superaron esa condición media, mientras que en las ciudades restantes, se registraron déficits significativos, inclusive menores o cercanas al 50%, es decir, que solo llovió la mitad de lo que “normalmente” llueve, en ciudades como Ibagué, Pasto, Bucaramanga, Cúcuta, Rionegro, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Riohacha, San Andrés, Quibdó y Buenaventura. >> Mas
The spring of 2013 in Germany was cool and wet but, above all, brought very little sunshine. All in all, the first five months of the year were among the three dullest starts to the year since sunshine measurements first began in 1951. Apart from a few very mild days at the start of March, wintry conditions dominated the spring weather right into April. Then, from mid-April, the weather was often sunny and warm. This continued in May, even in the east, until the wet and cool weather with very little sunshine that was being experi-enced in the west prevailed there too, as the initial analysis by the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) of data from its around 2,000 weather stations shows. >> More
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En desarrollo de una alianza estratégica para la optimización del monitoreo en nuestro país generando información en tiempo real, Termobarranquilla S.A. E.S.P.–TEBSA entregó hoy 10 estaciones hidrometeorológicas con tecnología de punta y transmisión satelital al Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales – IDEAM, en Barranquilla.
En la entrega oficial participaron el Dr. Juan Gabriel Uribe, Ministro de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible; el Dr. Omar Franco, Director del IDEAM y el Dr. Luis Miguel Fernández, Presidente de TEBSA, quienes pusieron en marcha este plan cuya inversión alcanza los 690 millones de pesos y beneficia a 88 municipios en los departamentos de Atlántico, Magdalena, Bolívar y Cesar. >> Mas
The Following conditions were observed.
Junio es como promedio el mes más lluvioso del año en Cuba. Una parte considerable de los acumulados de precipitación se produce asociada a eventos lluviosos de varios días de duración, los que ocurren principalmente en las primeras dos decenas del mes. Las precipitaciones dependen de la influencia de los sistemas migratorios de la zona tropical, tales como las ondas y las bajas tropicales, y de su importante interacción con sistemas de latitudes medias. La afectación directa de los ciclones tropicales es poco frecuente, pero cuando ocurre suele producir grandes precipitaciones. También se produce en junio el comienzo del período de gran actividad de las tormentas eléctricas, el que no comienza simultáneamente en todas las regiones y se manifiesta por un gradual incremento de su ocurrencia, principalmente durante la tarde y primeras horas de la noche, en asociación con el calentamiento diurno.
En los años 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004 y 2008, junio se presentó con grandes déficit en los totales de lluvia, principalmente como consecuencia de una inusual influencia anticiclónica en dicho mes. En este junio se espera que ocurran precipitaciones cercanas a lo normal en todas las regiones del país.
Normalmente, en junio la temperatura media se incrementa con respecto a mayo, y es en ocasiones un mes muy caluroso. En los últimos diez años se ha comportado con mucha frecuencia más cálido que lo normal, como han sido los casos de 1994, 1998, 2001, 2008 y 2010. Para el actual junio se prevén temperaturas altas, con máximas cercanas a lo habitual en esta época del año y mínimas cercanas o superiores a lo normal. >> Mas
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Mayo ha sido un mes relativamente frío en gran parte de España con una temperatura media de 14,6 ºC, valor que queda 1,3º C por debajo de la media de este mes. En cuanto a precipitaciones, ha sido algo más seco de lo normal, con una media en torno a 47 mm, cerca de un 25% menos que el valor medio.
Mayo ha sido un mes relativamente frío en gran parte de España. La temperatura media mensual sobre España ha sido de 14,6º C, valor que queda 1,3º C por debajo de la media de este mes (Periodo de Referencia: 1971-2000). Se ha tratado del mes de mayo más frío en conjunto desde 1985.
En la mitad norte mayo ha tenido en general carácter muy frío, con anomalías térmicas negativas que en amplias zonas superaron los 2º C, dando lugar a que en algunos observatorios del norte peninsular, como es el caso del de Santander haya sido el mes de mayo de temperatura media más baja ( con datos desde 1951). En la mitad sur ha tenido carácter frío con anomalías negativas iguales o menores de 1º C, con excepción de la mayor parte de las comunidades de Andalucía y Murcia, donde las temperaturas medias se mantuvieron próximas a los valores normales. En Baleares mayo ha resultado también frío a muy frío, mientras que por el contrario en Canarias ha sido más cálido de lo normal, especialmente en las islas más orientales. >> Mas
It is reported from CMA Department of Integrated Observations that from June 1, 16 new weather radars have been in operation in Yichuan of Heilongjiang, Taizhou of Zhejiang and Sanya of Hainan. Relevant services such as radar operation observation, data transmission and some others have also been carried out. These new radars will be used in nowcasting services for monitoring typhoon, severe convective weather and other emergency events.
It is introduced that to the end of 2015, 216 new weather radars will be constructed and put into use in China. Until the end of last year, 178 radars have been constructed among which over 160 are in operation already. The weather radar net covering key places of China have been fundamentally formed which can provide 24-hour real-time forecasting radar observational data for forecasting services in the flood season. >> More
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El pasado 30 de mayo se celebró una jornada sobre “Servicios meteorológicos y climáticos para el sector agrario” en la sede central de AEMET en la que participanron, además de técnicos de la Agencia, representantes de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid), el Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario; el Instituto Tecnológico Agrario (Junta de Castilla y León); y Tecnologías e Infraestructuras Agroalimentarias (INTIA). >> Mas
Monthly mean temperatures were all below average, with differences of up to nearly - 1.5°C in parts of the West and Northwest. Warmest conditions (compared to average) were in the Dublin area, with Phoenix Park reporting a mean temperature of 10.7°C, just 0.1°C below its May average. Almost all stations across the country reported that it was the coldest May since 1996 (17 years). ?Monthly mean maximum temperatures were well below average especially in the West and Northwest, with most parts reporting their lowest values in 17 to 34 years. Highest maximum temperatures were all recorded at the end of the month, with Mountdillon and Dublin (Phoenix Park) both reporting the month’s highest temperature of 20.4°C. Monthly minimum temperatures were near or above average in parts of the West, Southeast and East, with some stations in the West and South reporting their lowest figures in 12 to 17 years. The month’s lowest minimum was at Dublin Airport on the 17th, with -0.5°C.
Rainfall was above average in the West, North, Southwest and in parts of the Midlands with Long-Term Average (LTA) values as much as 176% at Malin Head with a monthly accumulation of 102.5 mm. Elsewhere, percentage values were as low as 60% at Carlow (Oak Park) which reported its driest May in five years, with Dublin (Phoenix Park) also reporting its driest May in five years with 69% of its LTA. The wettest days of the month were mainly between the 7th and the 9th, with the month’s wettest day at Belmullet on the 8th with 29.3 mm, its wettest May day since the station opened in 1957 (56 years). >> More
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According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, May was unusually, in many places even exceptionally, warm. The anomalies were particularly great in Lapland.
The mean temperature for May ranged from slightly over 13° C in inland Southern and Central Finland to about 7° C in northernmost Lapland. Seen against the long-term average, May was clearly warmer than usual throughout Finland. The difference was greater in the north than in the south.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute’s statistics show that the difference was over 4 degrees in northernmost Lapland and from 2 to 3 degrees in Southern and Western Finland. The highest temperature for the month was 30.5° C, measured in Utsjoki Kevo, on 31 May. The lowest temperature for the month, –9.7° C, was also measured at the same station, on 2 May. >> More
Se mantiene el pronóstico de lluvias, que podrían llegar a ser torrenciales en
diversos lugares de la Península de Yucatán
La zona de perturbación ubicada desde el sábado 1 de junio en el centro del Golfo
de México se convirtió durante la tarde de hoy en la tormenta tropical Andrea, de
acuerdo con los datos recabados por el avión Cazahuracanes, que detectó una
circulación bien definida en el sistema, informó el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional
(SMN), dependiente de la Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua).
El fenómeno mantiene un desplazamiento hacia el Norte a 6 kilómetros por hora (km/h) y se acerca a la Península de la Florida. El Centro Nacional de Huracanes de Miami, Estados Unidos, emitió una alerta de tormenta tropical para la costa oeste de ese estado.
Andrea se ubica a aproximadamente 500 kilómetros al Suroeste de Tampa, Florida, Estados Unidos, y tiene vientos sostenidos de 65 km/h. >> Mas
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Entre vendredi et dimanche d'importantes précipitations se sont abattues sur une grande partie du nord des Alpes. Après une première analyse détaillée de ces intempéries du point de vue climatologique, c'est-à-dire en les confrontant à la longue série des intempéries du passé : des Préalpes centrales aux Préalpes orientales, il est tombé entre 60 et 100 mm de pluie durant ces deux jours. Un tel événement survient en moyenne tous les 5 à 10 ans.
Les grosses intempéries des 21 et 22 août 2005 apportèrent alors entre 100 et 150 mm dans les mêmes régions, et localement plus de 200 mm. Egalement lors des intempéries de mai 1999, les quantités de précipitations étaient supérieures à celles de cet événement. >> Suite
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Oceans are the earth’s largest sinks for carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted as a result of human activity, and the chemical properties of surface seawater change due to anthropogenic CO2 uptake. Ocean acidification, which stems from reduced seawater pH (hydrogen ion exponent), is a particular issue of concern because it accelerates global warming by reducing the capacity of oceans to take in CO2 from the atmosphere and affects marine ecosystems by disturbing plankton growth.
According to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007), it is estimated that average global surface seawater pH has decreased by 0.1 due to oceanic uptake of atmospheric CO2 emitted as a result of human activity since pre-industrial times (1750). Moreover, the outcomes of numerical model experiments based on future CO2 emission estimates indicate that surface seawater pH will further decease by 0.14 - 0.35 in the 21st century. >> More
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Lower than average temperatures over the past fortnight have helped put this spring on track to be the coldest in more than 50 years, according to early provisional statistics from the Met Office.
The UK's mean temperature for the season (March-April-May) is currently 6.0 °C, based on figures from 1 March to 28 May, and assuming average conditions for the final 3 days of the month. The figures are unlikely to change much with such a short time left.
That would make this the 5th coldest spring in national records dating back to 1910 and the coldest spring since 1962. >> More
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Climate Service UK, a new initiative led by the Met Office will provide users with vital information to help them manage exposure to climate variability and change.
Building on the Met Office's expanding knowledge of climate science, ever-improving climate forecasts, and growing understanding of how climate impacts society and the environment, Climate Service UK marks a step-change in the provision of services to assess how a changing climate might affect business and society.
By working in partnership with users to understand vulnerability to weather and climate, the Climate Service UK will support 'climate-smart' decisions to make society more resilient. >> More
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El pasado 30 de mayo se celebró una jornada sobre “Servicios meteorológicos y climáticos para el sector agrario” en la sede central de AEMET en la que participanron, además de técnicos de la Agencia, representantes de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid), el Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario; el Instituto Tecnológico Agrario (Junta de Castilla y León); y Tecnologías e Infraestructuras Agroalimentarias (INTIA). >> Mas
Le ministre de l’Environnement du Canada, l’honorable Peter Kent, a ouvert aujourd’hui le Congrès scientifique conjoint de la Société canadienne de météorologie et d’océanographie, de l’Union géophysique canadienne et de l’Association canadienne des ressources hydriques.
« Grâce à l’apport absolument essentiel de la science, les Canadiennes et les Canadiens sont en mesure de prendre des décisions éclairées concernant leur santé, leur sécurité, leur protection et leur prospérité économique ainsi que pour la protection de l’environnement, a déclaré le ministre Kent. Les scientifiques, les chercheurs, les techniciens et les météorologues d’Environnement Canada jouent un rôle important dans la prestation de services météorologiques, hydriques et climatiques opportuns, précis et fiables à la population canadienne. » >> suite
Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today opened the Joint Scientific Congress of the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, Canadian Geophysical Union and the Canadian Water Resources Association.
“Science is absolutely critical in ensuring Canadians make informed decisions for their health, safety, security and economic prosperity and for the protection of their environment,” said Minister Kent. “Environment Canada’s scientists, researchers, technicians and meteorologists play an important role in delivering timely, accurate and reliable weather, water and climate services to Canadians.” >> More
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SMHI has used high-resolution satellite images for the first time to monitor ice break-up in Torne River, one of Sweden’s largest unregulated rivers.
The CryoLand research project has developed a method of identifying ice jams in the Torne River and flooded areas around the river using high-resolution satellite images.
“Radar satellite images with a resolution of 1-3 metres can be used to distinguish between water and ice. They provide a good picture of where Torne River has open water and where it is covered in ice. If ice jams are formed during the ice break-up they can be seen, along with their size and how large an area is affected,” says David Gustafsson, a hydrology scientist at SMHI. >> More
The Tokyo Climate Center (TCC) of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is pleased to inform you that the 32nd issue of the TCC News is now available on the TCC website
As spring arrives, many people are generally interested in the snow vanishing. Others are more interested in the water that is stored in the snow layer. Satellite measurements can show the extent and water content of the snow coverage, and where it will melt.
Scientists from SMHI are part of a European research project aiming to develop new, simpler ways of using satellite data about snow and ice.
Data from optical satellites can show the spread of snow coverage on a detailed level. Changes in the spread show where the snow has melted. This is valuable information in situations with high flows in watercourses as the snow melts. >> More
Del 6 al 8 de mayo, se ha celebrado en la sede central de AEMET, en Madrid, el taller sobre la implementación del Sistema de Observación Global de la OMM (WIGOS) en la asociación regional sexta (AR VI) de la OMM (Europa y Oriente Medio).
En el taller, que ha contado con la asistencia de 37 personas de 25 países de la región, más representantes de EUMETNET y la Secretaría General de la OMM, se ha hecho una revisión de WIGOS y de sus planes de implementación, se ha adaptado posteriormente al contexto de la AR VI y se ha elaborado el plan de implementación que será presentado en la próxima reunión general de la AR VI, que tendrá lugar en Helsinki el próximo septiembre.
En la reunión han estado presentes, entre otros asistentes, los representantes permanentes ante la OMM de España, Dr. Cano, de Bulgaria, Dr. Kortchev y de Croacia, Sr. Cacic, quien además es el presidente de la AR VI. Por parte de la OMM, entre otros, han asistido el Director de Sistemas de Observación e Información, Dr. Zhang y el Director de la Oficina para Europa, Sr. Ivanov. >> Mas
The CEO of South African Weather Service (SAWS) Dr Linda Makuleni has won the Public Sector Executive
category of the Oliver Empowerment Awards on 26 April 2013. This comes among many great achievements
over the past few years, in spite of several budget limitations.
In 2010 SAWS won the category as top Gender Empowered Parastatal, while in 2011 Dr Makuleni won the
award for “Top Women in the Public Sector”. In 2012 she was nominated as finalist in the ‘Most Influential
Women Awards.
Another proud achievement was when General Manager: Human Capital Management, Mr Lindani Gcwensa,
received the Senior HR Executive of the Year: Public Sector 2012 award at the Avusa Media Annual Recruitment
Awards (AMARA). >> More
A unique forum for exploring the nexus between weather, climate and energy, building upon the success of the fi rst event held in 2011 in Australia.>> More
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March on the most part of the European Russia (ETR) was very cold. Records of the minimum temperature were established from Vorkuta to Stavropol during all month. In the northern areas frost reached – 45 °C, in the Central Russia –– 25 °C.
March 2013 in the center of the European Russia was colder than February. That occurred for the first time since 1957. Temperature anomalies in the Tverskaya, Yaroslavskaya, Ivanovskaya, Kostromskaya and Moscovskaya regions reached -4 … - 6 °C. Very cold March is not an unusual event in the Central Russia. For example, March 2005 was even colder. >> More
Le changement climatique a des effets visibles sur l’environnement en Suisse: c’est ce que révèle « Changements climatiques en Suisse », le nouveau rapport établi par les offices fédéraux de l’environnement (OFEV) et de météorologie et de climatologie (MétéoSuisse). Il présente les principales tendances à l’œuvre aussi bien que les champs d’action et remplace le rapport de 2007.
Les changements climatiques ont des répercussions sur de multiples secteurs en Suisse. Ils se laissent observer et sont illustrés à l'aide de près de 50 indicateurs. Le nouveau rapport intitulé « Changements climatiques en Suisse. Indicateurs des causes, des effets et des mesures » de l'Office fédéral de l'environnement (OFEV) et de l'Office fédéral de météorologie et de climatologie (MétéoSuisse) permet de constater les points suivants: les changements climatiques se font clairement sentir sur le cycle hydrologique, les glaciers, le pergélisol et la couverture neigeuse, ainsi que lors d'événements climatiques pouvant causer de graves dégâts comme les températures extrêmes, la sécheresse, les fortes précipitations, les crues, les éboulements et les coulées de boue. Les écosystèmes subissent également des transformations. Tandis que certains secteurs à la merci des aléas météorologiques, comme le tourisme d'hiver, l'énergie ou la santé, pâtissent des changements climatiques, d'autres en profitent, comme l'agriculture qui voit sa période de végétation se prolonger, mais seulement dans la mesure où le réchauffement reste modéré et ne dépasse pas 2 à 3° C d'ici 2050. >> Suite
Entre el 1 y el 2 de abril de 2013 se registraron importantes valores de precipitación en
algunas localidades de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, superando en algunos casos tanto los valores
normales mensuales como así también el récord histórico registrado en 24 horas.
Los campos que se muestran a continuación corresponden a la precipitación acumulada
entre el 1 y el 2 de abril a las 9 hs (Panel izquierdo), y entre el 2 y el 3 de abril de 2013 (Panel
derecho). >> Mas
In September 2012, the smallest ice spread to date in the Arctic was recorded. With data from satellites, scientists at SMHI have analysed changes in the atmosphere, and then compared the conditions for the ice melt in 2012 with 2007, the previous record low for ice spread.
“Satellite-based monitoring of the atmosphere can be an important source of knowledge in predicting extreme ice melts in the Arctic region,” says Abhay Devasthale, a scientist in atmospheric remote sensing at SMHI.
Meteorological conditions
Three changes in the meteorological conditions were likely important factors in the low ice spread:
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Since the past March, rain and snow continuously hit Northeast China. Temperature has been low and soil thaw slowly. So preparations for ploughing and sowing and spring sowing have been challenged. It is reported from CMO that in the coming 10 days, some new cold air will influence northern China again. So the temperature will sustain to be low. Temperature of Northeast China will be lower than the long term average. Such weather will badly influence spring sowing. Therefore, CMA and the meteorological bureaus of Heilongjiang, Liaoning and Jilin strengthen monitoring and consulting service to provide meteorological service for spring ploughing and sowing.>> More
The frequency and intensity of extreme weather
and climate events such as floods, severe drought,
heat waves, ocean surges, have been increasing in
recent years all over the world.This trend has been
attributed to Global Warming and Climate Change.
Nigeria has been experiencing this global trend. In
the northern parts of the country, drought and
desertification have been encroaching on arable
land, while soil erosion and landslide in the south
destroy farmlands, houses, roads and other
infrastructure.Also, communities in the coastal and
riverine areas suffer from the menace of recurrent
coastal inundation and soil water intrusion,
resulting in environmental degradation and
destruction of the ecosystem. Most parts of
Nigeria, particularly those along river banks and
coastal areas are often devastated by flooding. >> More
| © Météo-France |
Après un hiver maussade, tout particulièrement sur la moitié Nord du pays, le mois de mars s’est révélé agité, plus froid et moins ensoleillé que la normale. Seul le Sud-Ouest, un peu moins soumis aux différentes intempéries, a bénéficié d’un ensoleillement et de températures proches des valeurs attendues pour un mois de mars.
De nombreux passages perturbés se sont succédé au cours du mois et n’ont guère laissé le soleil percer durablement. L’ensoleillement a été faible sur la majeure partie du territoire, notamment sur le Nord-Ouest où il est déficitaire de plus de 30% ainsi que sur le Nord-Est du pays et sur la Corse.
Sur l’ensemble du mois, les températures ont été particulièrement froides pour la saison de la Bretagne aux frontières du Nord et du Nord-Est où elles sont inférieures de 1 à 3 °C aux normales.
Un épisode hivernal tardif est survenu en milieu de mois et a concerné la quasi-totalité du pays. >> suite
Mars 2013 a été trop froid en comparaison à la norme 1981-2010, en particulier sur le Plateau et au Sud des Alpes. Dans ces régions, le déficit thermique a été compris entre 1.5 et 3 degrés. Pour les régions de plaine, il s'agit souvent du mois de mars le plus froid depuis 1987. D'une manière générale, les précipitations ont été déficitaires. MétéoSuisse a relevé moins de 50% de la norme 1981-2010 du Haut-Valais aux Alpes orientales, ainsi que sur le Nord des Grisons. En revanche, des précipitations excédentaires ont été mesurées sur le Plateau romand et localement au Sud des Alpes. L'ensoleillement a été plus réduit que d'habitude, notamment sur le Plateau et sur le pied nord du Jura. >> Suite
| Credit: CIRES/University of Colorado |
New study shows clouds will be important in region’s future
The ICECAPS Mobile Science Facility at Summit Station against a backdrop of Arctic clouds. ICECAPS is short for Integrated Characterization of Energy, Clouds, Atmospheric state and Precipitation.
Clouds over the central Greenland Ice Sheet last July were “just right” for driving surface temperatures there above the melting point, according to a new study by scientists at NOAA and the Universities of Wisconsin, Idaho and Colorado. The study, published today in Nature, found that thin, low-lying clouds allowed the sun’s energy to pass through and warm the surface of the ice, while at the same time trapping heat near the surface of the ice cap. This combination played a significant role in last summer's record-breaking melt.
“Thicker cloud conditions would not have led to the same amount of surface warming,” said Matthew Shupe, research meteorologist withNOAA’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado and the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory. “To understand the region’s future, you’ll need to understand its clouds. Our finding has implications for the fate of ice throughout the Arctic.” >> More
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According to a newly-published NOAA-led study in Geophysical Research Letters, as the globe warms from rising atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, more moisture in a warmer atmosphere will make the most extreme precipitation events more intense.
The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the North Carolina State University’s Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites-North Carolina (CICS-NC), NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the Desert Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and ERT, Inc., reports that the extra moisture due to a warmer atmosphere dominates all other factors and leads to notable increases in the most intense precipitation rates. >> More
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WOW was developed by the Met Office with support from the Royal Meteorological Society and the Department for Education. The aim was to provide a hub for UK weather observations, which can help educate children about weather and encourage further growth in the UK's amateur weather observing community. Despite its UK focus, WOW has global coverage and has attracted visits from weather enthusiasts in more than 170 countries.
In November 2012 WOW won "Best Use of Cloud Services"; and "IT Project Demonstrating Most Effective Use of Collaborative Technology" at the prestigious UK IT Industry Awards.
>> More
El promedio nacional de lluvias esperado para los próximos tres meses en la República Mexicana experimentará un déficit de hasta 40 por ciento en relación con los registros históricos, de acuerdo con estimaciones del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN), dependiente de la Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua).
Los análisis más recientes de la Coordinación General del SMN indican que en marzo se observará un déficit de precipitaciones a nivel nacional de 39.8 por ciento respecto de la climatología, es decir, respecto al promedio de lluvias registrado en el periodo 1971-2000. >> Mas
La Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM), la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura (FAO) y la Convención de las Naciones Unidas de Lucha contra la Desertificación, junto con otras organizaciones asociadas, organizaron del 11 al 15 de marzo de este año en Ginebra, Suiza, un encuentro, con el objetivo central de delinear las mejores políticas de preparación y de gestión de la sequía.
México presentó el Programa Nacional Contra la Sequía, –creado por instrucción del Presidente Enrique Peña Nieto en enero pasado–, con el objetivo de generar un sistema de alerta temprana, 26 programas para enfrentar la sequía en las cuencas mexicanas, establecer una Comisión Intersecretarial para mitigar los efectos de la sequía en la sociedad mexicana y generar una política de largo plazo que permita fortalecer la protección civil en nuestro país. >> Mas
February in Russia became very warm in the European part of the country. In the first decade of February in northern areas, Arkhangelsk area, the Komi Republic, the Nenets Autonomous Area, anomaly of average air temperature reached 10…13 ºС. In the southern part, in Krasnodar area, in the North Caucasus republics, temperature exceeded 20 ºС, and new records of the maximum temperature were repeatedly fixed. By the end of month to the north of European part the icy cold weather returned. It became a little colder in the south. As a whole in February warm weather considerably prevailed over cold from the western border of the country and to the Urals. Therefore, in all European territory the anomaly of average temperature for February made 3…6º. >> More
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At the beginning of February according to the program of the 58th seasonal Russian Antarctic expedition (RAE) “Basler” BT-67 plane flights on the "Vostok" station came to the end. On 3-5 February three flights on the route "Progress" - "Vostok" - "Progress" station on distance of 1350 km in one way were executed, - the Chief of RAE Vladimir Lukin narrates. By means of these flights more than 5 tons of the frigolabile food and the equipment were delivered to the "Vostok" station, and with the return flights to the gulf Pryudz coast a part of experts of the 57th wintering RAE, the employees of the 58th seasonal RAE, the scientific equipment and the samples of the ice core from a deep ice well were delivered. The participants of glaciological - boring group headed by Head of the Department of drilling of wells of National Mineral and Raw University "Gorny", professor Nikolay Vasilyev and the manager of Laboratory of Variability of Climate and Environment of Arctic and Antarctic Scientific Research Institute Vladimir Lipenkov left "Vostok" station with the final flight. >> More
According to NOAA scientists, the globally-averaged temperature for February 2013 tied with 2003 as the ninth warmest February since record keeping began in 1880. It also marked the 28th consecutive February and 336th consecutive month with a global temperature above the 20th century average. The last below-average February temperature and the last below-average temperature for any month was February 1985.
Many areas of the world experienced higher-than-average monthly temperatures, including eastern Europe, western Russia, the Middle East, much of Canada, and southern Greenland. Meanwhile, northern and western Alaska, far northwestern Canada, a large swath of the contiguous United States, western Europe, northwestern Africa, Siberia, Mongolia, and most of the eastern Pacific Ocean were notably below average.This monthly summary from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides to government, business, academia, and the public to support informed decision-making. >> More
Kuva: Eija Vallinheimo |
February was markedly milder than normally. The statistics compiled by the Finnish Meteorological Institute show that the most significant feature for the whole winter was the cloudy weather type. The number of sunshine hours measured was the lowest for the past 50 years.
According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the mean temperature for February ranged from about -2° C on the west coast to about -10° C in some areas of Northern Lapland. Seen against the long-term average, February was milder than normally in the whole of Finland
The greatest difference, or about five degrees Celsius, was measured in the easternmost areas of Finland, and the smallest difference, 1–2 degrees, in Enontekiö and in the northernmost Lapland. The lowest temperature for the month was -34.0° C, recorded in Kevojärvi, Utsjoki on 7 February. The highest temperature was 8.0° C, measured in Jomala, in the Åland Islands, on 27 February. >> More
Photo: Eija Asmi |
On 4 February, the Finnish Meteorological Institute started year-round aerosol and greenhouse gas measurements in Antarctica, at the Marambio research station maintained by Argentina. The measurements are used to study the progression of climate change, its causes and consequences.
Measurements of aerosols and greenhouse gases in Antarctica provide a comprehensive and highly interesting addition to research conducted in the cold polar regions. They contribute significantly to the monitoring of the extent and impacts of climate change. No equally comprehensive year-round measurements have been conducted on the Antarctic Peninsula before. Thus, they may also reveal new, unpredictable phenomena and processes. >> More
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According to NOAA scientists, the average temperature for the contiguous U.S. during the winter season (December 2012 - February 2013) was 34.3°F, 1.9°F above the 20th century average, marking the 20th warmest winter on record. The February temperature for the contiguous U.S. was 34.8°F, 0.8°F above average.
The total winter precipitation averaged across the contiguous United States was 7.10 inches and this was 0.63 inches above the 20th century average. February contributed 2.00 inches to this total, which was near the long-term average. During February, several winter storms impacted the nation, improving drought conditions across the Southeast and Midwest, but lighter precipitation totals across the Central Plains and Mountain West provided little drought relief. >> More
 Miguel Rabiolo, director regional de la OMM, con el coordinador general del SMN y el director general de la Conagua |
El Director General de la Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua), doctor David Korenfeld, se reunió este jueves con el Director de la Oficina Regional para las Américas de la Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM), Miguel Rabiolo, con el fin de analizar la participación de México en las actividades meteorológicas internacionales y su posicionamiento como líder regional en Mesoamérica y el Caribe.
Asimismo, se examinó el papel que tendrá ese organismo en el programa de modernización que actualmente lleva a cabo el SMN y que fue diseñado con la asesoría y la supervisión de la OMM. En la reunión participaron también el Coordinador General del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, maestro Juan Manuel Caballero, y la Gerente de Asuntos Internacionales de la Conagua, licenciada Claudia Coria. >> Más
Korea experienced unusually cold winter which caused signigicant damage to the agricultural sector. Heavy snows blocked roads nationwide stranding many commuters. In particular, such cold waves and heavy snows dramatically increased the demand for power drawing much attention to setting up infrastructure for alternative energy. >> More
Atmospheric and oceanic indicators of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) generally continue within the neutral range. The recent increase in the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) has been due to persistent high pressure weather systems in the central Pacific Ocean, and is not considered indicative of the broadscale climate. The SOI is known to be volatile at this time of year.
Summer ocean surface temperatures around Australia were the highest on record. Some cooling of the ocean off Australia’s northern coast has taken place in the last fortnight, in association with tropical cyclones Sandra and Rusty, but southern waters remain warm. High ocean temperatures may promote increased local rainfall in favourable weather conditions.
Climate models indicate the tropical Pacific is likely to remain ENSO-neutral through the first part of the southern hemisphere autumn. While it is known that predictions from dynamical models during the April through June period have lower skill, all models agree that an ENSO-neutral state is the most likely scenario for the next season.
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) has little influence upon Australia’s climate from December through to April. >> More
El SMN implementa un proceso de modernización para colocarse a la vanguardia de las agencias meteorológicas internacionales y proteger las vidas y los bienes.
La instalación de un radar en Campeche, la creación de modelos de pronóstico adaptados a México, el lanzamiento de una aplicación meteorológica para teléfonos inteligentes y la adopción de software para consultar las condiciones y los pronósticos del tiempo en miles de poblaciones, son algunos de los logros con los que, el 6 de marzo, el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN), dependiente de la Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua), celebra su aniversario número 136.
Esos avances tecnológicos son parte de un proceso de modernización que colocará al SMN entre la vanguardia de las agencias meteorológicas del mundo y le permitirá contribuir a fortalecer las estrategias para la protección de las personas y sus bienes.
>> Más
This summer hasn't just felt hot. It's been hot. The numbers are in, and the Bureau has confirmed this summer has been Australia's hottest on record.
Average temperatures across the country came in at 28.6°C, 1.1°C above normal, and exceeding the previous record set in the summer of 1997-98 by more than 0.1°C. A new daytime maximum temperature record was also set at 35.7°C, or 1.4°C above normal, and 0.2°C above the 1982/83 record. >> More
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| Photo: Antonin Halas |
February temperatures were above average. The amount of winter sunshine hours was in some locations the lowest in the last 50 years.
The monthly mean temperature varied between -2°C in western coast and -10°C in northern Lapland. Compared to the long term statistics, the temperatures were milder than average throughout the country.
Yu Rucong suggested coordinating to tackle fog and haze
Members of CPPCC focus on the hot “fog and haze control” in the 2 sessions of 2013. Yu Rucong, Member of CPPCC and Deputy Administrator of CMA suggests that the government should coordinate to take fundamental research on fog and haze and strengthen capacity building of fog and haze monitoring, forecasting and warning. >> More
Many areas in China saw extreme low temperature in winter
In this winter, the average temperature of China was -3.8℃, 0.4℃ lower than the same period of normal years (-3.4℃). In most areas of Northeast China, eastern Inner Mongolia, most areas of North China, the Yellow-Huaihe Valley, the Yangtze-Huaihe Valley, the Yangtze-Hanshui Valley, central-northern Xinjiang and part areas of western Tibet, the temperatures were lower than normal years. In other areas of China, the temperatures were close to or higher than the normal. >> More
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La investigación advierte que Colombia ha perdido en 160 años el 84% de su masa glaciar
Bogotá D.C., febrero 28 de 2013 (IDEAM): “Por primera vez, nuestro país cuenta con un documento completo que explica la historia y evolución de nuestras masas glaciares desde 1850 hasta nuestros días, lo que se constituirá en un insumo vital para la formulación de políticas públicas relacionadas con cambio climático y asociadas a estos ecosistemas de alta montaña”, aseguró Ricardo Lozano, Director General del IDEAM.
Este documento denominado “Glaciares de Colombia: más que montañas con hielo”, recientemente editado y publicado por el IDEAM, refleja que hace 160 años (desde 1850) en Colombia existían 17 masas glaciares y hoy sólo sobreviven seis, pasando de 374 Km2 a 45.3, en la actualidad, fenómeno que se aceleró durante los últimos 30 años. >> Más
Seasonal Review
Under normal condition, rain giving meteorological conditions starts to retreat gradually southwards starting from September which as a result, the northern half of the country are dominated by cool and dry air. In 2012/13, some parts of the country, particularly northern Ethiopia were dominated by dry and cold temperature. In association with this, the daily minimum temperature over the frost prone highlands of northeastern, southern, central and eastern attained freezing temperature as low as -3.5oC. During the month of October,100-207mm was observed over eastern Gambela, southern section of SNNPR, western and southern Oromiya and central Somali whereas, western Amhara, Benshangul-Gumuz, highlands of western and southern Oromiya ,western Gambela, eastern Tigray and most of Somali recorded 25-100mm. >> More
HIGHLIGHTS
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(Hiver météorologique : Décembre–Janvier–Février)
L'hiver 2012-2013 en France s'est révélé plutôt frais, avec une pluviométrie sensiblement excédentaire et un ensoleillement déficitaire.
La température moyennée sur la France et sur la saison est inférieure de 0,3 ° à la normale*. Cette moyenne masque de brusques variations temporelles ainsi que des contrastes géographiques. La moitié ouest du pays a bénéficié de températures légèrement supérieures à la normale alors que la moitié est a connu des températures plus fraîches. >> Suite
Quel printemps aurons nous cette année ?
En Suisse romande, aucune tendance bien claire ne se dessine pour le printemps 2013. Quoiqu'il en soit, un printemps doux semble un peu plus vraisemblable qu'un printemps normal ou froid. >> Suite
The Thai Meteorological Department released on 27th February 2013 a 3 months weather forecast from March through May 2013. >> More
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Updated every 15 minutes, the widget available on the Met Office homepage provides an overview of Flood Alerts and Warnings that are in force. More detailed information including a map and details of areas affected are also available so that users can keep up to date with the latest information when flooding is forecast.
Rob Varley, Director of Operations and Services at the Met Office said: "Severe weather and the effects of flooding can have a huge impact on our lives. Working in partnership with our flood risk colleagues we are bringing flood warnings together with Met Office weather warnings. This helps you get the information you need so you can plan, prepare and protect yourself from severe weather and the flooding impacts it can bring." >> More
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Know your risk. Take action. Be an example.
New: Presidential Message for National Severe Weather Preparedness Week 2013
Be a Force of Nature this year with National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 3-9, 2013.
During this week, NOAA and FEMA are highlighting the importance of planning and practicing how and where to take shelter before severe weather strikes. Being prepared to act quickly can be a matter of life and death.
Being a force of nature goes beyond taking appropriate preparedness action. It’s about inspiring others to do the same. We’re asking people not only to be prepared, but also to encourage their social network to act by texting, tweeting, or posting a Facebook status update. >> More
The Hydrometeorological Prediction Center — one of the nine national centers of the National Weather Service — will now be known as the Weather Prediction Center. The change, which takes place on March 5, is meant to better reflect the diverse mission of the organization and provide a clearer and easier-to-understand name for the center, which is described in its strategic plan as “America’s go-to center for high-impact precipitation events and forecast guidance out to 14 days for a Weather-Ready Nation.”
“The new name captures the great breadth of products and services delivered each and every day and night of the year as the center works alongside the rest of the National Weather Service team to build a Weather-Ready Nation,” said Jim Hoke, director of the renamed center, located in the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction in College Park, Md. “Although our mission hasn’t changed at all, it is nice now to have a name everyone can understand, pronounce and spell.” >> More
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El sábado 23 y 24 de febrero, en la jornada 8 del certamen de fútbol de la Primera División Campeonato ProGol 2013, Unafut en conjunto con los clubes de la primera división, celebraron por segundo año consecutivo la Jornada Celeste; este 2013 con el apoyo del Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN), quienes llevaron un mensaje para la prevención del cáncer de piel.
“El Futbol es un juego, el cáncer de piel no”, es el eslogan de la campaña, que busca concientizar a las personas sobre la importancia de la protección adecuada del sol y sus rayos ultravioleta por medio del uso adecuado de protectores solares y cualquier otra medida complementaria. >> Más
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Higher temperatures affect the conditions for cloud formation and rainfall. Heavy rain showers, such as summer thunderstorms, are influenced more by temperature than rain from larger widespread rain systems. Heavy rain has far-reaching consequences for society, and these could worsen at higher temperatures.
“Imagine a summer thunderstorm with sudden intensive rain showers over a short period. Compare that to rain from widespread cloud cover with lighter showers on and off over several hours. Both types can lead to extreme volumes of rain, but over completely different time periods,” says Peter Berg, a climate scientist at SMHI and one of the researchers behind a study into extreme rain showers published by Nature Geoscience.
The properties of rain showers
The volume of rain that falls in a heavy shower depends on the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere. At higher temperatures the atmosphere may contain more water vapour, thus increasing the chance of heavy showers. The properties of a rain shower are strongly dependent on the time scale being studied, from five minutes to several hours or days, for instance. The various types of precipitation are created in different processes in the atmosphere. This makes this a complex area from a research perspective. >> More
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Millions of people in the region required emergency food aid after the failure of two rainy seasons - the 'short rains' (typically October to December) of 2010 and 'long rains' (March to June) of 2011.
Researchers used cutting edge 'climate change attribution' techniques to quantify how the probability of these two unusually dry rainy seasons may have changed as a result of human influence on climate.
Dr. Fraser Lott, an Attribution Scientist at the Met Office and lead author on the paper, said: "We found that the particularly dry short rains in 2010 were most likely caused by natural variability. However, the chances of long rains as dry, or drier, as those of 2011 were found to have increased due to human influence."
The study used state of the art modelling techniques to see how likely the weather patterns that led to the drought were. They looked at both a world with mankind's influence on climate, as well as 'the world that might have been' without manmade greenhouse gas emissions. >> More
According to NOAA scientists, the globally-averaged temperature for January 2013 tied with 1995 as the ninth warmest January since record keeping began in 1880. It also marked the 37th consecutive January and 335th consecutive month with a global temperature above the 20th century average. The last below-average January temperature was January 1976 and the last below-average temperature for any month was February 1985.
Many areas across the world experienced higher-than-average monthly temperatures, including Alaska, the eastern United States, southern Greenland, Uzbekistan, and Australia. Meanwhile, far northwestern and central Canada, the western United States, and a large swath of northern Eurasia were most notably below average.
This monthly summary from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides to government, business, academia, and the public to support informed decision-making. >> More
The annual anomaly of the global average surface tem-perature for 2012 was the eighth highest on record at +0.14°C above the 1981 – 2010 baseline.
Monitoring changes in temperature records on a decadal to centennial scale worldwide is of primary importance in ensuring scientifically sound diagnostics and understand-ing of the state of the climate. In its role as one of the world’s leading climate centers, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) provides global mean surface temperature data (i.e., combined averages of near-surface air tempera-tures over land and sea surface temperatures) on a monthly, seasonal and annual basis, thereby helping to raise pub-lic awareness of global warming development. The annual global average surface temperature anomaly for 2012 was +0.14°C with the 1981 – 2010 average as a baseline. This ranks as the eighth highest figure since 1891 – the earliest year of JMA’s global temperature anomaly records. Warm temperature anomalies were noticeable especially around North America, from western Russia through to the Mediterranean, and over the Indian Ocean and the central part of the North Pacific Ocean. The average temperature over land areas alone was the sixth highest on record. >> More
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Finaliza enero, tercer mes del período poco lluvioso (noviembre-abril) en Cuba, con déficit en sus acumulados de las lluvias en un 35 % del territorio nacional. De ellos, el 6 % correspondió a déficit catalogados de extremos a severos, un 10 % a moderados y el 19 % a débiles. Por el grado de incidencia de los déficit, las provincias más afectadas fueron La Habana, Mayabeque, Guantánamo, Pinar del Río y Artemisa, y los municipios más afectados fueron los del Oeste y Sur de la capital, Bauta, Bejucal y San Antonio de los Baños. >> Más
On February 18, China Meteorological Administration (CMA) officially released the Weather Research Program (2013-2020) and the Climate Research Program (2013-2020), two of the four research programs of weather, climate, applied meteorology and comprehensive meteorological observation. Zheng Guoguang, Administrator of CMA wrote the preface for research projects and pointed out that the research programs would push forward the construction of meteorological science and technology innovation system, more effectively promote modern meteorological operation development, and provide important foundation and protection for meteorological modernization.
The Weather Research Program includes 6 key projects, 9 major areas, 51 priority themes, 9 regional characteristics and basic support platform containing five themes. The Climate Research Program includes 6 key projects, 6 major areas, 61 priority themes, 5 regional characteristics and basic support platform containing 2 themes. >> More
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O Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (Inmet) ampliou sua capacidade computacional de 4 para 55.6 teraflops (Tflops), o que lhe permitirá realizar mais de 55 trilhões de cálculos por segundo. “Este foi o maior salto de desempenho em supercomputadores que o Instituto já deu até agora” afirma José Maurício Franco Guedes, consultor técnico e responsável pelo Centro de Computação Meteorológica de Alto Desempenho (CCMAD) do Inmet.
Gilberto Ricardo Bonatti, da Coordenação Geral de Modelagem Numérica, explica o que isto significa na prática. Hoje, o Inmet processa o Modelo COSMO (Consortium for Small-scale Modeling) com resolução horizontal de 7 km, cobrindo todo o Brasil, e com resolução de 2.8 km, para as regiões Nordeste, Sudeste e Sul, em etapas, o que leva cerca de cinco horas. A nova máquina vai processar o Modelo Cosmo 7 Km para o Brasil e 2.8 km para as três regiões ao mesmo tempo, com cerca de duas horas de processamento. Dessa forma, os meteorologistas terão mais tempo para elaborar suas previsões e, como será possível rodar o Cosmo a cada seis horas (00, 06, 12 e 18 UTC), eles poderão melhor acompanhar se os fenômenos severos estão enfraquecendo ou se tornando mais intensos. >> Más
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Weather and Climate Change has become a newsworthy issue in most countries and Zimbabwe is no exception. The issue has become so topical such that almost everyone calls himself a ‘climate change expert’ hence the joke that ‘if you throw a stone in any street of Harare, they are chances that it will hit a ‘Climate Change Expert’’. But do we really understand Climate Change, its relation with weather and are we aware of what it can bring or what it means for us, let alone prepare ourselves to deal with its adverse effects as a nation?
Over the past few years we have seen many parts of Zimbabwe experiencing extreme events. Our winters have become so severe to the extent that many people’s horticultural produce which is a source of livelihoods for many has on many occasions been completely wiped out. We have had situations where the whole banana plantations, tomatoes and other vegetables are destroyed overnight by frost. So bad was the situation in certain areas that even chickens and in worse instances cattle also became victims. Whilst frost has been occurring over the past years, it is its severity, frequency and at times prolonged occurrence which is now worrisome. >> More
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The chances of receiving above median rainfall during autumn are between 60 and 70% over much of SA, western NSW, southwest Queensland and the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of WA (see map above). Such odds mean that for every ten years with similar ocean patterns to those currently observed, about six or seven years would be expected to be wetter than average over these areas, while about three or four would be drier.
In contrast, the chances of receiving above normal rainfall are between 30 and 40% in southern Victoria, Tasmania and southwest WA. In other words, the chances of below normal rainfall range from 60 to 70%. >> More
During the month of February, normally 5 Western Disturbance (WD) affect northwest India and adjoining areas. The frequency of WD in February 2013 till date is near normal as 3 WD affected the country. However, the WD in this month are active than normal as the induced systems associated with WD are seen either in the form of a depression or low pressure area instead of usual upper air cyclonic circulations. The quantity and spatial distribution of rainfall in the foothills as well as plains has so far been much higher than normal.
Some of the stations in northwest India have received cumulative rainfall from 1-18 February, 2013, which is much higher than the normal rainfall for the entire month. For example Lucknow has recorded 135.7 mm (1-18 February 2013), which is all time record for the month of February. At Dehradun, the precipitation is highest after 1961 and at Barmer also, the rainfall is highest after 1939. >> More
Following the directive of the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, OON, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) organised a National Conference on the Application of Meteorological Information in Weather Disaster Risk Reduction and Socio-Economic Planning at the Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Abuja from 13 – 14 February 2013. The National Conference is a key component of the presentation of this year’s Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP). The SRP provides essential weather advisories and early warnings to planners, decision-makers and operators in the various rainfall-sensitive socio-economic sectors, such as air, marine and land transport, agriculture, water resources, power, construction, health to mention a few. NIMET presents the SRP early in the year, so as to create sufficient lead-time for adequate preparation against risks and hazards associated with weather and climate extremes.
The objectives of the Conference include:
(a) to bring together stakeholders in a Provider-User Interface platform to develop strategies for effective applications of meteorological information in the different socioeconomic sectors;
(b) to promote synergies between NIMET and relevant stakeholders on disaster risk reduction; and
(c) to create awareness on the need to mainstream meteorological information into every aspects of planning, policy and practice for sustainable development in Nigeria. >> More
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At the end of 2012 the specialists of Analytical Department of Institute of Fyodorov Institute of
Applied Geophysics (IAG) of Roshydromet developed and put into operation a new bilingual
(Russian-English) website - www.space-weather.ru. It’s displaying space weather conditions and
possible influence of indignations on functioning of technological and biological systems on the
Earth on-line.
The users here can obtain operational predictive information about an emergence probability of the geo-effective solar protons streams which could be directed into a near-earth space. For this purpose a technology of nowcasting developed by IAG is used. >> More
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El 31 de octubre de 2012 fue inaugurado oficialmente, en el sureño estado de
Chiapas, cerca de la frontera con Centroamérica, el Centro Hidrometeorológico
Regional Tuxtla Gutiérrez, el primero de los centros regionales que el Servicio
Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) planea establecer en los próximos meses a fin de
fortalecer la capacidad de México para enfrentar los eventos meteorológicos,
hidrológicos y climáticos extremos.
Con la construcción de este centro, la región sur de México se pone a la vanguardia nacional en materia de meteorología y climatología. Además, permitirá al país estrechar la colaboración con sus vecinos de Centroamérica a fin de reforzar la prevención de riesgos naturales y desarrollar las capacidades en materia de climatología de toda la zona.
Las instalaciones disponen de áreas especializadas en meteorología, hidrología y climatología, con el propósito de realizar de manera integral las tareas de observación y análisis de las condiciones atmosféricas e hidrológicas a corto, mediano y largo plazo. >> Más
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Autoridades del Banco Mundial se reunieron con funcionarios del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) y de la Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua), a fin de iniciar formalmente el Proyecto de Modernización del SMN para una Mejor Adaptación al Cambio Climático (MoMet), el cual es financiado en parte con un crédito de 105 millones de dólares del BM.
La misión del banco fue recibida por el Coordinador General del SMN, M. en C. Juan Manuel Caballero González, quien reiteró el total apoyo de la administración al proceso de modernización y señaló que la institución redoblará sus esfuerzos para cumplir con los objetivos del programa.
Funcionarios del BM señalaron a su vez que durante la visita confirmaron que la nueva estrategia y visión de la coordinación general se alinean perfectamente con los objetivos del MoMet. La reunión se llevó a cabo del 5 al 8 de febrero. >> Más
The aviation community, under the direction of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), came together across multiple time zones on 15 and 16 January 2013 for an international exercise called VOLKAM13 on volcanic eruption in the Far East of the Russian Federation.
The objective of the exercise was to test the flow of information about volcanic ash that is produced by the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in the Russian Federation (KVERT), the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Tokyo, the Meteorological Watch Offices and the International NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) Offices.
During the exercise the explosive eruption of Karymsky volcano, located on Kamchatka peninsula, emitted volcanic ash to a height of about 12.5 km (FL410). The ash shifted to the southeast direction with a speed of 110 km per hour and caused pollution of the air space used for international airways (G583, B244, B932, G73). As part of the exercise, NOPAC (Northern Pacific) tracks were modeled. >> full text
Les chercheurs du Centre national de recherches météorologiques (CNRM-GAME, Météo-
France/CNRS) viennent de montrer que le lien entre enneigement automnal en Sibérie et rigueur
de l’hiver en Europe, sur lequel s’appuient des méthodes statistiques de prévision saisonnière,
n’était pas aussi robuste que de précédentes études auraient pu le laisser penser. Cette
conclusion illustre la prudence qu’il convient de garder vis-à-vis des techniques empiriques de
prévision saisonnière. Les résultats de ces travaux ont été publiés sur le site de Geophysical
Research Letters1 le 16 janvier 2013.
Si elles donnent des résultats utiles sous les tropiques, les prévisions saisonnières restent peu fiables à
nos latitudes et sont l’objet d’intenses recherches dans la communauté climatique. La plupart des
centres météorologiques qui produisent ce type de prévisions utilisent des systèmes numériques
simulant de manière explicite la dynamique des océans et de l’atmosphère. Certains scientifiques
emploient cependant des méthodes purement statistiques, beaucoup plus simples et moins coûteuses
à mettre en œuvre, et parfois présentées comme aussi performantes. Il ne s’agit plus de simuler
l’évolution de l’atmosphère, mais d’utiliser des corrélations identifiées sur des séries de données aussi
longues que possible entre un phénomène climatique et les conditions moyennes en température ou en
précipitations quelques mois plus tard. D’aucuns avancent, par exemple, prévoir la rigueur de l’hiver en
Europe sur la seule base de l’enneigement automnal en Sibérie. >> Suite
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Louis W. Uccellini, Ph.D., will become the next assistant NOAA administrator for weather services beginning February 10 and the 16th director of NOAA’s National Weather Service, which marks its 143rd anniversary this Saturday.
“Louis’ leadership within the National Weather Service and his relationship with the U.S. and international weather enterprise allow him to effectively steer the agency forward,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA Administrator.
“It’s an honor to lead such a prestigious agency with the unbeatable mission of protecting lives and livelihoods,” said Uccellini. “The past year had its success stories with superior outlooks, forecasts and warnings, including those for Sandy, but difficulties remain. Our eyes remain locked on the future to ensure a National Weather Service that is second to none and supports a weather-ready nation. >> More
An international WIS workshop was held from 26-30 Jan 2013 in Doha/Qatar. The workshop, jointly organized by Qatar Meteorological Department and the WMO Secretariat, focused on WIS National Centre and Data Collection and/or Production Centre implementation and the understanding and migration to WMO Table Driven Code Forms. It also discussed an implementation plan for a regional Marine Centre. >> More
The annual anomaly of the global average surface temperature for the year 2012 (i.e., the combined average of the near-surface air temperature over land and the sea surface temperature) is estimated at +0.14°C above the 1981-2010 average, ranked as the 8th warmest record since 1891.
Warm temperature deviations are noticeable around North America, western Russia through to the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, and the central part of the North Pacific Ocean. >> More
12 of its 14 Members attended the 45th Session of the Typhoon Committee in Hong Kong and completed the 4-day deliberation on February 1.
The Director of the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), Mr Shun Chi-ming, succeeded the Deputy Administrator of the China Meteorological Administration, Ms Jiao Meiyan, as the Chairperson of the Typhoon Committee and presided at the Session. Mr Shun and Ms Jiao were instrumental in driving for reform in the effective governance of the Committee in the past couple of years, with fruitful results already evident at the Hong Kong Session. The Assistant Director of the HKO, Mr Edwin Lai, was elected as the Chairperson of the Advisory Working Group of the Committee to coordinate the implementation and action plans of the projects of the four working groups of the Committee. >> More
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The Met Office welcomes the Royal Academy of Engineering report on Space Weather, the UK's first in-depth study of the impacts of space weather.
The report concludes that whilst the space weather risk can be engineered out of many systems, there is a still a need for real-time alerting and forecasting of space weather to help minimise the risks it poses.
The UK Government has already made an investment in the development of a space weather prediction capability within the Met Office's existing scientific and forecasting capabilities. >> More
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Summer season in this year is expected to start around second half of February and mainly maximum temperature will be not very hot. In first period, a high pressure area from China will still extend its ridge to cover the Northern Region and the Northeastern Region periodically. As a result, it will be still cool or cold weather in morning in the Northern Region and the Northeastern Region. While hot weather will take place almost everywhere in upper Thailand during the day. After that around mid March to May, thermally induced low pressure cells will emerge over upper Thailand in some period. In addition, usually have a confluence of southeasterly and southerly winds lie across the upper Thailand in some day. As a result, it will become hot and humid all over both regions, in the majority of such area and very hot in some locations on some certain days especially the Northern Region, the Northeastern Region and the Central Region. Alternates its will have wildly scattered rain in some period resulting decreasing in temperature. >>More
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Teniendo en cuenta que la temporada de huracanes comenzará el 1 de junio, el IDEAM de la mano de la Administración Nacional para el Océano y la Atmosfera de los Estados Unidos (NOAA) realizarán el “Taller sobre los ciclones tropicales y sus impactos en la sociedad, la economía y la agricultura”, liderado por los reconocidos expertos mundiales Lixión Ávila, Ph.D, especialista en Huracanes del Centro de huracanes de la NOAA acompañado del Dr. Omar García, experto en la misma materia, quienes cualificaran a los meteorólogos del IDEAM en monitoreo y seguimiento de estos eventos naturales.La capacitación se extenderá durante la semana del 4 al 8 de febrero en la ciudad de Bogotá D.C., y se abordarán temas de gran relevancia para el estudio e investigación en esta materia relacionada con análisis de ondas tropicales, pronósticos de trayectoria, preparación de avisos y presentación de los modelos más innovadores. >> Más
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El mes de enero ha sido más húmedo de lo normal, con una precipitación media del orden de 88 mm, lo que supone un 32% más que el valor normal. En cuanto a temperaturas, ha sido más cálido de lo normal en toda España, con una temperatura media de 8,0 ºC, valor que supera en 1,0 ºC a la media de este mes.
En prácticamente toda España las temperaturas medias mensuales superaron los valores normales de enero, habiendo sido la anomalía térmica positiva más marcada en Galicia, Castilla y León, sur de Extremadura y en la mayor parte de las regiones de la vertiente mediterránea, zonas donde el mes tuvo carácter muy cálido y las temperaturas medias mensuales superaron en mas de 1º C su valor normal. En Baleares el mes fue normal o ligeramente más cálido de lo normal, mientras que en Canarias el mes tuvo carácter muy cálido a extremadamente cálido, con anomalías térmicas positivas en general superiores a 1º C y que fueron más importantes en zonas altas, llegando a alcanzar valores por encima de 3º C en el observatorio de Izaña. >> Más
Après un début de mois relativement doux et sec, janvier a été marqué par une succession de nombreux passages perturbés, souvent neigeux, sur la moitié nord du pays. Hormis dans le Sud-Est, l’ensoleillement est l’un des plus faibles enregistrés pour un mois de janvier.
Températures
Après un début de mois très doux, les températures ont été très fraîches du 13 au 26. En toute fin de mois, elles ont dépassé les normales de 4 à 6 degrés sur la quasi-totalité du pays. Sur l’ensemble du mois, la température moyenne est plus fraîche sur le Nord – Pas-de-Calais, la Picardie et du Limousin au nord de Midi-Pyrénées que sur le reste du pays. Moyennée sur la France, la température mensuelle est inférieure de 0.3 °C à la normale.
Recently, the delegation from Presidency of Meteorology and Environment of Saudi Arabia visited National Meteorological Information Centre (NMIC) of CMA, aiming to learn the technology and experience in the construction of Global Information System Centre (GISC), and to prepare for the construction and implementation of Jeddah GISC, Saudi Arabia.
The WIS team of NMIC and Saudi Arabia experts discussed related technical topics, involving system hardware environment, software implementation, evaluation procedures, and other aspects.
Through discussion, CMA decided to assist the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment of Saudi Arabia in building Jeddah GISC system, and reaching WIS/GISC requirements on time. Moreover, the two sides will add backup features for the system if WMO approves Jeddah GISC. >> More
Most of the east coast of Queensland, and the coast of New South Wales from the
Illawarra northwards, experienced very heavy rainfall during the period from 22 to 29
January 2013, as a result of the former tropical cyclone Oswald tracking southwards
along a track just inland from the Queensland coast. This rainfall resulted in severe
flooding in many areas within 200 kilometres of the east coast, most notably in the
Burnett catchment in Queensland and the Clarence catchment in northern New South
Wales, both of which reached record flood peaks.
Oswald formed in the Gulf of Carpentaria on 21 January, and made landfall that night
near Kowanyama, on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, as a category 1 system.
It rapidly weakened after landfall and was downgraded to a tropical low on the morning
of 22 January. The low then moved near the east coast, being centred off Cooktown on
23 January and then tracked slowly to the south-southeast just inland from the coast. It
was centred near Townsville on the 24th, became slow-moving in the St. Lawrence-
Rockhampton area on the 25th and 26th, and then resumed a southwards track to be
centred near Dalby on the 28th. It then accelerated southwards and moved offshore
near Sydney on the 29th before moving out to sea. >> More
In the Report on the Work of the Government of annual sessions of NPC and CPPCC of Shanghai, Yang Xiong, Mayor of Shanghai stressed that it was imperative to strengthen the construction of multi-disaster early warning system so as to improve the capacity of emergency response. Meanwhile, fog and haze forecast, warning and emergency response has also been the hot topic of the representatives.
Tang Xu, Director-General of Shanghai Municipal Meteorological Administrator and member of Shanghai CPPCC suggested to take research on fog and haze influences and draft special emergency response plan based on relevant weather warning and departments coordination. Measures of departments should be defined. He also suggested to research on the influence mechanism of fog and haze to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Another representative Tang Jingbo suggested promoting the release of fog and haze forecasts. When serious fog and haze hit, relevant information should be released through relevant platforms in the city.
>> More
The main feature of the weather in January 2013 was a long cold
spell, although it was not enough to take the overall temperature for the month below zero. This
was due to spring-like phases during the first ten days and towards the end of the month. All in
all, January was comparatively mild but also with very little sunshine. Precipitation was in line
with the long-term average, as the initial analysis by the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) of data
from its around 2,000 weather stations shows. >> More
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Météo et Climat, association présidée par Jean Jouzel, organisedans le cadre du 10e FORUM INTERNATIONAL DE LA METEO ET DU CLIMAT le colloque international "Agir face aux risques météo-climatiques: outils et enjeux économiques à l’horizon 2030" le 21 mars 2013 à Paris, au Conseil économique, social et environnemental.
Le colloque dévoilera ce que l'on sera capable de faire d'ici une quinzaine d'années en matière de prévisions météorologiques, permettant de mieux anticiper et donc de mieux gérer.
Les discussions se concentreront ensuite sur l'impact économique des risques météo-climatiques et sur les stratégies pour les réduire ou les gérer.
On s’intéressera en particulier à la mesure, la perception, et lamémoire des risques, aux meilleures façons de lancer des alertes, et à la gouvernance des risques en France et à l’étranger.
Une table-ronde de clôture réunira des acteurs de la vie économique et politique.
On January 28, China Meteorological Administration (CMA) revised warning signal of haze taking PM2.5 (a fine particulate matter) into consideration. At the same day, the Central Meteorological Office of CMA issued a yellow category haze warning in the first time as independent warning signal.
According to the new standards, haze warning falls into three categories: yellow, orange, and red separately indicating moderate, heavy, and extreme haze intensities. In the first time, PM2.5 is taken into consideration as same importance with atmospheric visibility, comparative humidity and other meteorological factors, reflecting ai
r pollution conditions to the haze warning.
Since January this year, most parts of central and eastern China have seen large scale fog & haze weather, which produced adverse impacts to atmospheric environment, human health, and the on-going Spring Festival Travel. CMA urges all levels of departments to do a good job of observation and warning of haze and fog weather. (Jan. 30)
Northern Hemisphere.
2012 went down in history of the Northern hemisphere as one of the warmest years. In accordance with the observations results since 1881 through 2003 its average annual air temperature calculated to within 0,1º, holds 5-7 place (together with 1998 and 2003) is among the warmest years since 1880. It’s warmer than 2011 having 9-10 rank, but is notably colder than 2010, the average annual temperature of which is an absolute maximum.
Abnormally Warm Weather in the Arctic. The largest positive anomalies of average annual air temperature, such as in the past years, were registered in the Polar region. The most rapid raising of air temperature in three last decades has been taking place here. In 2012 the average annual air temperature in the Arctic exceeded the norm by 4-7 ° C, and in the north of the Kara Sea between the archipelagoes of Franz Joseph Land and Severnaya Zemlya – more than 7 º C. It was never before that an anomaly of average annual air temperature in the Northern hemisphere exceeded 5 º C. In 2012 on the Vise Island in the Kara Sea, anomalies of the average monthly air temperature exceeded 15-16 ° C in winter, 8-13° C in spring and in autumn, and 1-5 ° C during the warm period of the year. >> More
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Data collected over the north Pacific Ocean the next two months by a highly specialized NOAA jet aircraft will improve North American winter storm forecasts.
Scientists aboard NOAA’s twin-engine Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft, typically used to study hurricanes, will measure wind speed and direction, pressure, temperature and humidity in areas of the Pacific where North American storms breed and where taking measurements is difficult and data is sparse. NOAA will fly out of Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, where the aircraft will be based through February. The aircraft will reposition to Anchorage, Alaska in March before returning to its home base in Tampa, Fla.
Data from the flights will be monitored by meteorologists aboard the aircraft and relayed as it is collected to NOAA National Weather Service forecasters on the ground, who will use the data in real time to improve forecasts of potentially extreme winter weather events across the entire country and extend those forecasts into the three- to seven-day ranges.
In the following 5 years, scientists will build a key technical business system platform for drought and flood prediction in different climate regions of southern China and evaluate risk levels of agriculture and water resources to drought and flood disasters in these regions. On January 25, a project named “Variation pattern, mechanism and relevant influences and responsive measures of drought and flood disasters in southern China in the backdrop of climate change” was started up. This project belongs to the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program).
It is introduced by expert of National Climate Center Li Weijing that this project aims to research on variation pattern, forming mechanism, prediction theories and measures of drought and flood disasters in southern China in the backdrop of climate change. This research is linked with China’s disaster prevention and reduction and socio-economic sustainable development.
This project includes 6 sub-topics. Administrator of CMA Zheng Guoguang highly praised it. He expected the meteorological experts to work together and study these significant questions so as to develop the meteorological service. >> More
Au niveau national, la température moyenne de l'année 2012 s'est montrée 1.3 degré au-dessus de la norme 1961-1990. Les précipitations annuelles se sont avérées légèrement excédentaires avec un écart de 10% par rapport à la norme 1961-1990. L'année a démarré de manière très hivernale avec beaucoup de neige en montagne et une vague de froid en février. En revanche, le printemps a été extrêmement chaud, très ensoleillé et plutôt sec. Puis, l'été s'est péniblement installé et une période de fortes chaleurs ne s'est manifestée qu'au mois d'août. Après une première offensive hivernale au début de l'automne avec de la neige jusqu'en moyenne montagne, quelques magnifiques journées ensoleillées et très douces ont suivi en octobre, donnant un air d'été indien. Toutefois, à la fin du mois, il a neigé jusqu'en plaine. La neige est restée d'actualité en novembre avec une puissante offensive hivernale à la fin du mois au Sud des Alpes, en Valais et dans le Jura. D'autres chutes de neige ont touché l'ensemble de la Suisse au cours de la première quinzaine de décembre. >> Suite
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El mes de diciembre ha sido seco en general, con una media de precipitación de 47 mm, que supone un 42% menos que el valor normal del mes que es de 82 mm. En cuanto a temperaturas, ha sido algo más cálido de lo normal, con una media de 8,4 ºC que supera en 0,4 ºC a la normal de este mes.
Temperaturas
Diciembre ha sido en conjunto algo más cálido de lo normal, con una temperatura media mensual de 8,4º C, valor que supera en 0,4º C a la media de este mes (Periodo de Referencia: 1971-2000). Se ha tratado del mes de diciembre más cálido desde el año 2002.
En el cuadrante suroeste peninsular, sureste y zona centro, las temperaturas medias mensuales se han mantenido en torno a los valores normales o incluso en algunos puntos dispersos han quedado ligeramente por debajo de los mismos, mientras que en el resto de la España peninsular el mes ha sido en general más cálido de lo normal. La anomalía positiva de la temperatura media del mes superó el valor de 1º C en algunas áreas de Galicia, regiones de la Vertiente Cantábrica y Aragón. En Baleares el mes fue normal o ligeramente cálido, salvo en Ibiza donde fue algo mas frío de lo normal, mientras que en Canarias las temperaturas medias superaron los valores normales, con una acusada anomalía térmica positiva en las zonas altas. >> Más
On January 15, it is reported that the error of 24-hour typhoon track forecast of CMA reduced to less than 100 km in 2012. Typhoon and Ocean Forecast Center of CMA will continue to share the marine meteorological information and improve the refined forecast services. Last year, the accuracy of typhoon track forecast by Center Meteorological Office was steadily improved. The 24-hour typhoon track forecast error was only 94 km, 18% less than the 2007-2011 five-year average level. As of December 31, 2012, in addition to the impact of tropical cyclones, China's coastal waters witnessed gale with scale 8 or above for 127 days, with nearly 70% forecast accuracy. In addition, new products and analysis has been provided by the Typhoon and Ocean Forecast Center of CMA in 2012, including analysis on the influence radius of the typhoon gale, the wind scale forecast before the typhoon landed on coastline, the 24-hour, 6-hour and 10 km wind and precipitation forecast before typhoon landed, and marine medium-term forecast. >> More
India Meteorological Department (IMD) is celebrating its 138th Foundation Day on 15 January 2013. The day is being celebrated to commemorate the assumption of Mr. H. F. Blanford as Imperial Meteorological Reporter on 15th January, 1875. The day is being celebrated with a view to highlight the achievements of the Department and to promote awareness about new initiatives taken and also to focus on the future plans for improving the weather and climate services of the Department. Shri S. Jaipal Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest of the function. Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences will preside over the function. >> More
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Employees at Qatari meteorological department celebrated the accomplishment achieved by electing Mr. Ahmed Abdullah as the new president for World Meteorological Organization WMO'S Regional Association for Asia for the next four years. The association groups 35 countries across a large geographical zone.
The staff congratulated Mr. Abdullah on his new position expressing their pleasure to the achievement that introduces Qatar for the first time to the membership of the WMO's executive office. They stressed that Qatar assume everyday a new niche due its citizen's continuous efforts.
For his part, Mr. Abdullah thanked all staff members and researchers remarking their efforts that highlighted the role of the department internationally. >> More
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Australia has started 2013 with a record-breaking heat wave that has lasted more than two weeks across many parts of the country. Temperatures have regularly gone above 48°C, with the highest recorded maximum of 49.6°C at Moomba in South Australia. The extreme conditions have been associated with a delayed onset of the Australian monsoon, and slow moving weather systems over the continent.
Australia has always experienced heat waves, and they are a normal part of most summers. However, the current event affecting much of inland Australia has definitely not been typical.
The most significant thing about the recent heat has been its coverage across the continent, and its persistence. >> More
Most areas of the world experienced higher-than-average annual temperatures, including most of North and South America, most of Europe and Africa, and western, southern, and far northeastern Asia. Meanwhile, most of Alaska, far western Canada, central Asia, parts of the eastern and equatorial Pacific, southern Atlantic, and parts of the Southern Ocean were notably cooler than average. Additionally, the Arctic experienced a record-breaking ice melt season while the Antarctic ice extent was above average.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute has provided weather services important to the safety and functioning of society for 175 years.
Finland’s climate is exceptionally challenging for the various functions of society, especially transport. The demand for new and increasingly sophisticated weather services keeps rising as society becomes more sensitive to the impacts of weather. “The Institute’s activities are centred on our customers’ needs,” said Director General Petteri Taalas. “We are an international forerunner in our sector. We are well prepared for this, thanks to our solid expertise, our highly advanced 24/7 production system, and the first-rate atmospheric and marine research conducted at the Institute.”
Merja Kyllönen, Minister of Transport and Communications, emphasised the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s role as a safety authority. “High trust is placed in the Institute and society uses the Institute’s services widely in planning daily activities, in providing for emergencies and in preparing for global climate change,” Minister Kyllönen pointed out.
David Grimes, President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) remarked that the research carried out by the Finnish Meteorological Institute has led to a much greater understanding of the complexities of the Earth system and its interactions with weather and climate. “The Finnish Meteorological Institute has proved itself to be a valued partner with WMO and a generous contributor to the global community,” Grimes commended. “The Institute is certainly one of the most advanced meteorological services in the world.”
Globally, despite the cooling influence of a weak-to-moderate La Nina at the beginning of the year, 2012 is still an unusually warm year in many parts of the world. In Hong Kong, 2012 started with significantly colder than normal weather in January and February which is mainly due to the stronger northeast monsoon over southern China usually in the presence of La Nina. However, with La Nina fading out in spring, the below-normal temperature was compensated by the exceptionally warm weather in April, May and August in 2012. Overall, the average temperature of 2012 was 23.4 degrees, 0.1 degrees above the 1981-2010 normal[1] figure of 23.3 degrees (which is 0.4 degrees above the 1961-1990 normal figure of 23.0 degrees when we consider an earlier timeframe) and ranking the 12th highest since record began in 1885.
For extreme temperatures, there were 21 Very Hot Days, 23 Hot Nights and 21 Cold Days in 2012, about 11, 5 and 4 days more than the 1981-2010 normal figures respectively. The maximum temperature recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory in 2012 was 34.5 degrees on 28 August. During the passage of an intense cold surge of the winter monsoon, the minimum temperature of the year of 7.1 degrees was recorded on 31 December. This was also the third coldest New Year's Eve on record.
Wintry start to the month, then extremely mild at Christmas with lots of rain
In December2012 the weather in Germany was mostly dominated by low pressure systems – first bringing snow and then rain. Initially, these systems often brought cold air but predominantly mild air followed. The prevailing weather at Christmas was unusually mild and temperatures were even spring-like. Overall, this caused December to be a little too warm but much too wet, with slightly below average sunshine, as the initial analysis by the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) of data from its around 2,000weather stations shows. >> More
Overall, 2012 was somewhat warmer than normal, with slightly less rainfall than usual and a positive total amount of sunshine. Individual months were, however, highly changeable and, in some cases, extreme weather situations occurred. New weather records were set in some places, as the initial analysis by the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) of data from its around 2,000weather stations shows.
At the beginning of the year there were strong westward currents, bringing very mild weather. A pronounced high pressure system in the first half of February brought extremely cold air to central Europe, to the extent that numerous lakes and rivers froze over. This was followed by a further period of warm and relatively dry weather from mid-February onwards, with exceptionally sunny weather prevailing in March. Initially, April was relatively cool but an unusual advection of warm air masses at the end of the month set new seasonal records. Rapid temperature fluctuations also continued in May. The start of the summer saw widespread rainfall, followed by very hot and thundery weather with temperatures almost reaching 40degrees. Autumn brought some summer-like weather, setting records for warm temperatures in October but this was followed by a sharp early onset of winter. The weather during the first half of December was wintry throughout Germany but, after that, only the north-east was affected by the snow and cold. A thaw had set in everywhere at Christmas, with spring-like warmth even extending to the highest mountain regions. >> More
On January 14, 2012, China Meteorological Administration (CMA) issued the China Climate Bulletin in 2012. According to Bulletin, the general characteristic of China climate in 2012 was wet with near normal (the average of 1981-2010) temperature. However the regional and period meteorological hazards were serious and frequent.
In 2012, the annual precipitation was above normal and the mean temperature was near normal in China both with severely uneven distribution in time-space and intra-seasonal variability. The mean of annual total precipitation in China was 669.3 mm, 6.3% more than normal and 20.4% more than 2011. The total precipitation was less than normal in winter, but much more in spring, summer and autumn consecutively in China. The annual mean temperature was 9.4℃ , which was near and slightly below normal (with -0.2℃ anomaly) but 0.3℃ less than 2011. The mean temperature was lower than normal in winter and autumn, but higher than normal persistently in spring and summer in China. >> More
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On January 14, 2012, China Meteorological Administration (CMA) released the No.1 issue of China Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, which is made by the Climate Change Centre of CMA.
Since 1980s, China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has put in place seven atmospheric background stations-Waliguan in Qinghai (WLG), Shangdianzi in Beijing (SDZ), Lin'an in Zhejiang (LAN), Longfengshan in Heilongjiang (LFS), Shangri-La in Yunnan (XGL), Jinsha in Hubei (JSA) and Akedala in Xinjiang (AKD), which represent a number of typical climatic, ecological and economic zones in China. Greenhouse gases and related tracers have been observed by network stations in a standard and consistent routine in response to the Kyoto Protocol and the Montreal Protocols. In particular, the Waliguan Global Atmosphere Watch Baseline Observatory has engaged in flask air sampling analysis since 1990 and in-situ observation since 1994. The 20-year history in observation rewards the longest time series in atmospheric CO2 records in China. The flask air sampling analysis and the in-situ observations were launched in other background stations beginning from 2006. >> More
Choked in dense smog for three consecutive days, Beijing started emergency response measures on Sunday to curb the air pollution at hazardous levels.
Monitoring data showed the Air Quality Index in most parts of the capital reached 500, the maximum pollution level, on Sunday, the third hazy, grey day.
Emergency response measures were adopted on Sunday in some areas to deal with the heavy pollution, a senior official with the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau said.
Outdoor sports activities for primary and middle schools were ordered to be halted from Sunday to Tuesday in extreme pollution areas, including Tongzhou, Miyun, Daxing, Mentougou and Fangshan districts, the municipal authorities said.
Construction was suspended at 28 construction sites and 54 businesses reduced their emissions by 30 percent, with Beijing Hyundai Motor Company halting production on Sunday, the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau said. >> More
Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions prevailed at many places over Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during the week and at a few places over Bihar during 7th to 9th January 2013.
Dense fog occurred at many places over northwest India and Bihar during the week.
The lowest minimum temperature of -3.0°C was recorded at Narnaul (Haryana) on 7thJanuary 2013 in the plains of the country. >> More
2012 was a historic year for extreme weather that included drought, wildfires, hurricanes and storms; however, tornado activity was below average
2012 marked the warmest year on record for the contiguous United States with the year consisting of a record warm spring, second warmest summer, fourth warmest winter and a warmer-than-average autumn. The average temperature for 2012 was 55.3°F, 3.2°F above the 20th century average, and 1.0°F above 1998, the previous warmest year. >> More
January : A high pressure area from China will still extend its ridge to cover the upper
Thailand, As it will become active periodically, cool or cold weather all over both regions together with fog
will be noticed in the morning throughout the Northern Region and the Northeastern Region. In addition, it will
be very cold at times in some places, especially the upper Region. In case of the Central Region and the
Eastern Region, it will be cool weather almost everywhere and foggy in the morning while cold weather will
be observed in some places certain days. For mountainous areas, it will be cold or very cold weather
throughout the period. Moreover, hoarfrosts are also expected at times. >> More
The Bureau of Meteorology confirms extreme temperatures to continue for the next week, and provides a round-up of national temperature records broken during the January heatwave.
Assistant Director of Weather Services, Alasdair Hainsworth, said the heatwave had proven to be every bit as severe as forecast, both in the huge area affected and in the temperatures recorded.
"The cool change across southeastern Australia last night has delivered some relief for southern Australia, but we are by no means through the woods yet, with very hot temperatures forecast for Western Australia today, and building again throughout central Australia," said Mr Hainsworth.
"The late onset of the monsoon, that would bring some relief in the way of cloud cover and rain, has not yet eventuated. As a result extremely hot air masses are developing in the north of the continent and being driven into southern Australia ahead of each cold front.
""The strong, gusty winds associated with these fronts, the high fuel loads which continue to dry out following a drier than average end to 2012, and extreme heat in January are causing extremely challenging fire conditions for our emergency services partners. >> More
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The average annual air temperature in Croatia for 2012 was above the multi-annual average (1961-1990). Average annual air temperature anomalies were within the range from 1.1°C to 2.2°C.
According to percentile classification, thermal conditions in Croatia for 2012 have been described by dominant category extremely warm except an area in western part of Slavonia which belongs to the category very warm.
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On January 9, the monitoring from FY-3 meteorological satellite shows that the Liaodong Bay, Bohai Bay and Laizhou Bay have been covered by sea ice. In Bohai, the area of sea ice covers about 24,700 square kilometers.
It is reported that since 1989, the largest area of sea ice in Bohai was about 21,800 square kilometers in 2010. In the past 25 years, the average area of Bohai sea ice is approximately 9,200 square kilometers. In the early January of this year, the sea ice area in Bohai reached the highest level, 2.5 times more than the average compared with the same period in the past 25 years. The amplification of the sea ice area is related with the frequent cold air activities. If the cold air continues to affect Bohai seas, the sea ice area may further increase. >> More
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Teniendo en cuenta la información suministrada por el IDEAM el año anterior, y ampliamente divulgada a nivel nacional en relación con la llegada de la primera gran temporada seca del año afectada por el calentamiento de las aguas del océano Pacífico en el último semestre del 2012, el IDEAM se permite informar que continúa el desarrollo de dicha temporada en gran parte del territorio nacional, especialmente en las regiones Caribe, Andina y Orinoquía.
La primera gran temporada seca del 2013 se ha manifestado con la reducción de los niveles de los ríos Magdalena y Cauca y sus afluentes, así como los ríos provenientes de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta y del Piedemonte Llanero. Esta temporada seca también se ha caracterizado por la presencia de incendios forestales en las regiones anteriormente descritas y la presencia de heladas, especialmente en departamentos como Boyacá, Cundinamarca y Nariño. >> Más
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The Finnish Meteorological Institute has cooperated with meteorological institutes in the Caribbean to strengthen their hydrometeorological know-how. The objective is to modernise weather service production and to increase preparedness for extreme natural events in the region.
According to statistics, natural disasters in the Caribbean are mainly the result of meteorological, hydrological and climate-related events or their consequences. In addition to the loss of lives, the disasters cause considerable economic losses and impede the development of Caribbean states. >> More
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La previsión de la tendencia climática trimestral presentada en este Boletín es llevada a cabo por especialistas climatólogos de diversas Instituciones del país, sobre la base del análisis de las condiciones oceánicas y atmosféricas globales y regionales previas, así como también de las previsiones numéricas experimentales de los principales modelos globales de simulación del clima. Por esta razón, la previsión se expresa en términos cualitativos, tiene carácter experimental y un simple sentido orientador. Las acciones tomadas o dejadas de tomar en función de la información contenida en este boletín son de completa responsabilidad del usuario. >> Más
Since the end of November 2012, the Eurasian continent from northern East Asia to Western Russia has experienced significantly lower-than-normal temperatures due to strong cold-air inflow. >> More
Recently many departments included Ministry of Civil Affair and General Office of National Committee for Disaster Reduction organized meetings to analyze the conditions of natural disasters of China in 2012.
Disasters affected 290 million people, destroyed 906,000 houses, severely damaged 1.46 million houses and caused direct economic losses of 418.55 billion yuan (66.55 billion U.S. dollars) on the Chinese mainland, according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the office of the National Committee for Disaster Reduction. >> More
The first three months of the year and August reported above average mean temperatures, with remaining months of
the year reporting colder than normal conditions in most places. March was the warmest month, relative to average,
with deviations from normal above 2.0°C at some Dublin stations and in parts of the West and Southwest. These
stations reported it as the warmest March in at least 50 years. October was the most relatively cold month, with mean
temperature as much as -2.0°C below average and the majority of stations in the Northern half of the country
reporting the coldest October since 1993 (19 years). Overall, annual mean temperatures were mostly on, or slightly
below average with a few stations in the West, Southwest and Dublin reporting slightly above average. Mean
temperatures ranged from 8.7°C at Knock Airport, its coldest year since 2001 (11 years) to 11.0°C at Sherkin Island
and Valentia Observatory. The majority of annual highest maximum temperatures were recorded during the months
of May, July and August. The highest temperature of 2012* was 28.3°C at Ardfert (Liscahane), Co. Kerry on May
25th, its highest June and annual maximum since 2006 (6 years). Other stations in the West and Southwest also
reported their highest annual maxima in six years on the 25th May. Most lowest temperatures were recorded in
February, October and December with the lowest temperature this year* of -6.7°C recorded at both Thomastown
(Mt. Juliet), Co. Kilkenny and Carrickmacross (Dunoge),Co. Monaghan during a cold spell the start of February, with
Derrygreenagh, Co. Offaly recording the lowest grass minimum temperature of -12.2°C at the same time. >> More
La première quinzaine de décembre 2012 a été hivernale avec des températures inférieures aux normes et de fréquentes chutes de neige au Nord et dans les Alpes. En revanche, la deuxième quinzaine du mois a été très douce mais également très humide avec beaucoup de précipitations. Sur l'ensemble du mois, les températures ont finalement été trop douces en plaine, plus froides en montagne et au Sud. Le mois a été humide et peu ensoleillé par rapport à la norme 1961-1990.
bulletin_climato_decembre_prov.pdf, 1.1 MB
Le bulletin climatologique mensuel de MétéoSuisse est publié juste avant la fin du mois avec une version provisoire. Au début du mois suivant, une version définitive avec un contenu complété remplacera la version provisoire. >> Suite
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The first half of 2012 was cooler and wetter than average, and the second half was warmer and drier than average. The change from wet to dry conditions was consistent with changing sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans, which are a primary driver of rainfall variability across much of Australia.
The Australian mean rainfall total for 2012 was 476 mm (11 mm above the long-term average of 465 mm); with the year ranked near the median of historical observations. This contrasts with 2011's high annual total of 699 mm. >> More
Go big seemed to be the theme for Mother Nature in 2012 across North America. Super Storm Sandy was said to be the most powerful and biggest Atlantic hurricane in history. But while Sandy was catastrophic for the United States, she was merely a nasty fall storm in Canada; one with a $100 million price tag! The hurricane was a blockbuster in what was another active season. Oddly, it was the third consecutive year that 19 tropical storms developed in the Atlantic basin, which is nearly double the norm. Across Canada, big storms and floods dominated the landscape from January to December leading to mega-buck losses for businesses, governments and thousands of Canadians. Insurers were hit hard by the wicked weather in 2012, facing more than $1 billion in payouts in three of the past four years – an unprecedented and worrisome trend for the industry. >> More
Après une année 2011 chaude et sèche, l'année 2012 a été, globalement sur la France, proche de la normale qu'il s'agisse des températures, des précipitations ou de l'ensoleillement.
Légèrement inférieure à la normale* localement sur la façade ouest du pays et le piémont pyrénéen, la température moyenne est supérieure dans le Sud-Est, en Corse, ainsi qu'en Alsace et en Lorraine. Ce contraste géographique est encore plus marqué en ce qui concerne les températures maximales. Seuls les mois de février, d'avril et de juillet ont été plus froids que la normale. Néanmoins, la température moyenne annuelle en 2012 est proche de la normale*.
La pluviométrie en 2012 est marquée par de fortes disparités régionales. Globalement déficitaires dans le Sud-Ouest, le Languedoc-Roussillon et la basse vallée du Rhône, les cumuls de précipitations sont excédentaires du Nord - Pas-de-Calais au Cotentin, sur l’est des Pays de la Loire ainsi que des départements du Rhône et de la Saône-et-Loire au massif du Jura. Cumulée sur l'ensemble du pays, la quantité d'eau recueillie est toutefois conforme à la valeur moyenne. >> Suite
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According to the January 1, 2013 U.S. Drought Monitor, moderate to exceptional drought across the Nation decreased this week, covering 61.1% of the contiguous United States. Exceptional drought rose for the third week in a row from 6.7% to 6.8%. >> More
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The exceptionally wet year was characterised by a dry start which quickly gave way to very wet weather, with April and June both being the wettest on record.
Unsettled weather continued through to the end of the year, with December being the 8th wettest on record for the UK.
Throughout the year, accurate forecasts and warnings from the Met Office have helped everyone across the UK plan and prepare for the worst impacts of the extremely wet weather we have seen. >> More
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