Latest news with #tropicalcyclones
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
Rainy, unsettled weather in Hong Kong next week, Observatory says
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP's journalism by subscribing . New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Advertisement Hong Kong can expect to see rainy and unsettled weather next week, but the city is unlikely to be directly affected by three tropical cyclones that have formed in the Pacific. The Observatory said on Saturday that showers would increase on Monday and Tuesday. 'The weather will be very hot over Guangdong [on Sunday], showers triggered by high temperatures will affect the region,' the forecaster said. Temperatures hit as high as 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) on Saturday. Advertisement 'Under the influence of an active southwesterly airstream, the weather will remain unsettled over the coast of southern China in the middle and latter parts of next week,' the forecaster said. It said the increased showers early next week were due to the northward movement of a monsoon gyre, a large-scale cyclonic circulation, and a broad trough of low pressure affecting the coast of southern China.
Coin Geek
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Coin Geek
AI records advanced proficiency in forecasting storms
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Two research teams have recorded impressive levels of success with artificial intelligence (AI)-based weather forecasting systems. According to a report, the first research team from Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) leveraged the company's Aurora AI model to create an advanced weather forecasting system. The research, published in the Nature Journal, disclosed that the Aurora AI-based model outperformed traditional computerized weather forecasts. The Microsoft researchers noted that the model can accurately predict a range of weather events, including narrowing down forecasts to specific ocean wave patterns and air quality. Furthermore, the researchers state that the model exceeded expectations in forecasting tropical cyclones with significantly lower computational costs. The team achieved the feat by training the AI weather prediction model on over 1 million hours of 'diverse geophysical data,' providing the system with a deep pool to accurately make forecasts. A U.S.-based team has also recorded significant strides in AI-based weather forecasts, leaning on Google DeepMind's (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Graphcast tool. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers revealed that the new model is 10X faster than traditional systems in storm predictions. The model, trained on data from NOAA's Warn-on-Forecast-System (WOFS), reduces the forecast time for storms from nearly five minutes to seconds. Apart from spotting incoming storms, the Google-based model can predict the storm's pattern and movement for up to two hours with remarkable accuracy. 'The model yielded largely accurate predictions of how storms would evolve for up to two hours,' read the report. 'These predictions matched 70% to 80% of those generated by the Warn-on-Forecast system.' Big Tech is hurtling toward AI-based weather forecasting tools, with Google leading the charge. Microsoft and IBM (NASDAQ: IBM) have also unveiled their AI-based weather prediction models with varying degrees of success. Countries are turning to AI models to stay ahead of the curve Nations at risk of climate and weather disasters embrace AI models to predict incoming events and take proactive measures to mitigate damage. India has integrated AI to track flood patterns, while Chinese researchers are identifying the upsides to AI-based weather forecasting for the country. An Australian charity is leaning on AI to protect the Daintree rainforest from ecological challenges. However, an integration with blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) technology is tipped to improve the accuracy of AI weather prediction models. DLT can tackle food fraud, but success remains a challenge The scourge of food fraud is on the rise, stealing nearly $50 billion annually from the global food industry while posing significant health risks. However, a report notes that blockchain offers a veritable solution to stifle the activities of bad actors in the food industry. According to a report, while food fraud siphons only a small slice of the food industry's $12 trillion valuation, the figure is equivalent to the GDP of Malta. Cases of food mislabeling and dilution are at an all-time high, with horse meat sold as beef and olive oil diluted with cheaper vegetable oils. The report notes that the absence of transparency in global supply chains is fueling the rise of food fraud. With industry processes built in silos and 'information islands,' participants in the supply chain do not have a bird's eye view of the processes. 'Many companies maintain their own internal tracking systems, but these often lack interoperability with their suppliers or customers,' said Naoris Protocol CEO David Carvalho. To increase transparency and reduce the footprint of bad actors in the space, industry experts are making a case for blockchain. There is a consensus that the transparency and immutability features of publicly distributed ledgers will hold food suppliers to a higher standard. Furthermore, the industry players highlight the perks of 'selective transparency,' which allows supply chain participants to share only relevant data while protecting sensitive commercial data from authorized participants. Experts are turning to the utility of smart contracts and automation functionalities as reasons for blockchain-based supply chains to fight food fraud. Early use cases have yielded a streak of positives with South Korea's KT using the technology to fight food fraud, laying the foundation for new entrants. Vietnamese companies are turning to blockchain to verify halal certifications, preventing unscrupulous suppliers from passing off non-halal food to unsuspecting consumers. Malaysia is also mulling the prospects of on-chain halal certifications, citing a wave of positives for the food industry. Not a walk in the park Incorporating blockchain in food supply chains is not easy, with the report noting steep integration costs and manpower training. Apart from high implementation costs, there is the additional 'garbage in, garbage out' challenge associated with a Web3-based system. The report recommends the integration of oracles and IoT technologies to feed external data into distributed ledgers. Other challenges include privacy and data concerns, as well as the absence of standardized protocols for blockchain adoption across several jurisdictions. In order for artificial intelligence (AI) to work right within the law and thrive in the face of growing challenges, it needs to integrate an enterprise blockchain system that ensures data input quality and ownership—allowing it to keep data safe while also guaranteeing the immutability of data. Check out CoinGeek's coverage on this emerging tech to learn more why Enterprise blockchain will be the backbone of AI. Watch: Artificial intelligence needs blockchain title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists discover concerning new phenomenon that may impact the intensity of hurricanes: 'Might get stronger'
Nature's way of cooling off ocean waters in the wake of tropical cyclones is losing its effectiveness as the planet overheats. The shorter lifespans of these cold wakes mean future storms face less inhibition as water temperatures bounce back faster. According to New Scientist, a team of researchers raised a serious concern tied to less effective "cold wakes." The combination of cloud cover, evaporative cooling, and the stirring up of ocean waters in the wake of tropical cyclones can cool the ocean's surface, inhibiting the growth of subsequent storms. Research from the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory revealed in a recent study that these cold wakes aren't lasting as long as they used to. The water temperature in these massive pools of relatively cool water is bouncing back more quickly. It is just underway, and there is already a growing list of concerns about this year's Atlantic hurricane season. A couple of weeks before the start of the season, the Federal Emergency Management Agency disclosed that it's stepping away from its broader framework for disaster relief operations. Also, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued its forecast for an above-normal season for tropical activity in the Atlantic basin. Combined with the news about cold wakes, the potential for serious issues seems high. "We think in the future cyclones might get stronger due to a general increase in sea surface temperature," associate professor Shuai Wang of the University of Delaware told New Scientist. "If the recovery time of the cold wake decreases, that can definitely be a secondary effect. This shortening of cold wake recovery time can give a second boost to hurricane intensity." Tropical cyclones draw their energy primarily from warm ocean water. The scientists' study, published in Nature, noted that cold wakes are recovering faster because of weakening North Atlantic trade winds, which can limit the ocean's ability to cool through the evaporation process. Background ocean warming is occurring, too, as the world warms. This study suggests that we can't rely on cold wakes as much to act as a natural buffer and prevent future tropical cyclones from forming. NOAA's forecast cited warmer than average ocean temperatures as one of the reasons to expect above-normal tropical cyclone activity this year. Nonprofit Climate Central's analysis of last year's season found that the overheating planet supercharged all 11 hurricanes in the Atlantic basin. Curbing carbon pollution from dirty energy sources — the burning of which has a steroid-like effect that is fueling more frequent and severe extreme weather — can help cool our planet's oceans. Engineers are finding ways to transform old dirty energy projects into clean energy production. Recently, engineers announced that they are on track to field-test new technology that could unlock a more affordable power source. Becoming an advocate in the fight to protect the future of the planet requires exploring critical climate issues and sharing the information with family and friends. Supporting pro-climate action candidates and taking local action are other important ways you can help make a difference. Do you think your house could withstand a hurricane? No way Maybe a weak one I'm not sure It definitely could Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
CBC
22-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
More hurricanes expected this year, but that doesn't mean more will hit Atlantic Canada
The U.S.-based National Hurricane Center released its outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season Thursday, predicting there is a 60 per cent probability of an above-average season. On average, the Atlantic hurricane season sees 14 named storms, with seven becoming hurricanes and three of those strengthening to Category 3 or higher to become a major hurricane. This year's outlook anticipates 13 to 19 named storms, with six to 10 hurricanes and three to five major hurricanes. The reasons for an above-average outlook include: Neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions in the Pacific, so there will be no El Niño to impede Atlantic hurricane development by strengthening trade winds; Warmer than normal sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic basin, an issue because ocean heat fuels tropical cyclones; and A northern shift of the West African monsoon, where many strong Atlantic storms begin as tropical waves. The Atlantic hurricane season begins each year on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30, peaking in late August and September. Atlantic Canada is more at risk for seeing strong storms in late summer and early fall, which coincides with that peak. An above-average Atlantic hurricane season does not necessarily mean more activity in Atlantic Canada, however. With 30 named storms, the 2020 season was the most active on record, but Teddy was the only storm to have an impact on Atlantic Canada that year. The storm made landfall on Sept. 23 near Ecum Secum, N.S., after transitioning to post-tropical status, but did not cause major damage. In contrast, the 2022 season was an average one with 14 named storms, but that was the year Fiona left a wide trail of devastation when it arrived in Atlantic Canada as a post-tropical storm.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Tropical cyclones may be linked to infant mortality in at-risk low- and middle-income countries, new research suggests
Exposure to tropical cyclones could have an impact on young babies' ability to survive in poorer countries, scientists have found. A mother living through a tropical cyclone while pregnant, or a infant living through a tropical cyclone during the first year of life, may be associated with higher infant mortality when combining data from seven low- and middle-income countries, according to a paper published on Wednesday in Science Advances. MORE: Black infant mortality rate more than double the rate among white infants: CDC Exposure to cyclones was linked to 4.4 additional infant deaths per 1,000 live births in the aggregate study, which included: Madagascar, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. These countries were studied because they, historically, have a higher risk of tropical cyclones. Researchers compared tropical wind field data with more than 1.6 million infant survival records. They identified 148,384 babies who were exposed to tropical cyclones in utero or during the first year of life. Most of these babies (109,051) were exposed to tropical storms, which are the weakest type of tropical cyclone. Bangladesh, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti seemed to generate a higher amount of infantile deaths linked to tropical cyclones -- the 11% increase in infant mortality was mostly driven data from those countries, Zachary Wagner, an associate professor at the University of Southern California's Center for Economic and Social Research and co-author of the paper, told ABC News. Researchers did not identify a significant impact of tropical cyclones on infant mortality in India, which had the largest number of people exposed to tropical cyclones. They believe that this result may be due to India having better systems in place to handle storms. The mortality effect on babies seemed to carry over from tropical storm to Category 1 and 2 storms, the researchers said. However, this association was not as pronounced. In the study, they also noted that Category 3 or stronger storms are much rare relative to lower-intensity storms. However, climate scientists predict that storms will become more extreme in the future due to global warming, which could impact vulnerable populations even more, according to the researchers. "So there's no reason to expect this to get a lot better over time, but there is reason to expect this to get worse over time," Wagner said. MORE: Climate change making Atlantic hurricanes twice as likely to strengthen from weak to major intensity in 24 hours Wagner was inspired to study the impact of tropical cyclones on infant mortality following his work on how armed conflict impacts pediatric health in war-torn countries for over a decade, he said. He noted that the paper was partially funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, a part of the National Institute of Health, so the researchers could look into the issue on a large scale. "We started looking at flooding and tropical cyclones, and we're starting to look at heat and all these big weather events that can have these catastrophic effects in a lot of different areas around the globe," Wagner said. The effect of being exposed to tropical cyclones, on average, had a similar effect on infant mortality compared to armed conflict, according to Wagner. "The difference is that there's a lot more armed conflict than there are tropical cyclones, so the overall contribution to child mortality -- the effect is larger," he said. MORE: Extreme weather events prove climate change is already here The article suggested that less baseline vulnerability, better designed structures and better emergency response systems could all contribute to lessening infant mortality influenced by tropical cyclones. The study did not identify statistical differences, either in individual countries or overall, in hospital antenatal care visits or the number of children being born in health care facilities as a result of tropical cyclones. "We don't know which of those is actually explaining the difference, though," Wagner said. "Further research on understanding the mechanisms that are driving these deaths so that we can intervene in an effective way is necessary," Wagner said. In the future, the researchers will also be looking into how other vulnerable populations in the U.S., such as the elderly, can be affected by tropical cyclones -- such as disruptions in medication use or access to healthcare facilities for preventative care, he added. Tropical cyclones may be linked to infant mortality in at-risk low- and middle-income countries, new research suggests originally appeared on
