New Handbook Seeks to Improve Accuracy of West Africa's Weather Forecasts
A comprehensive new handbook about weather forecasting in West Africa could help safeguard lives and resources in the region.
Meteorology of Tropical West Africa: The Forecasters' Handbook was coordinated by the University of Leeds in collaboration with international researchers and meteorological agencies to help the region's weather forecasters. It results from the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA), the biggest research programme into African weather and climate ever conducted.
The handbook includes theory, weather forecasting methods, and case studies of West African weather systems. It follows 15 years of collaborative international research.
Handbook editor and coordinator, Professor Douglas Parker a meteorologist at Leeds' School of Earth and Environment, said: "Accurate weather forecasts are essential for early warning systems that can protect lives, property, and water and food resources. The handbook is the first time any global region has produced a definitive document for forecasting.
Ollivier Girard/CIFOR