Antarctic radar data improves forecasts for Southern Hemisphere atmospheric rivers in tests

AI Summary

Researchers tested Antarctic radar observations and found they improve forecasts of atmospheric rivers in the Southern Hemisphere, where sparse weather data often limits model accuracy. Better forecasts could help communities prepare for severe rain, snow, flooding and winds, as well as support aviation and shipping.

Weather forecasts in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) are generally less accurate than those in the Northern Hemisphere because Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean have relatively few weather observations. With limited information about atmospheric conditions in one of the world's most remote regions, forecasting models often struggle to predict the movement of weather systems. This is especially true for atmospheric rivers that can trigger heavy rain, snowfall, flooding and strong winds across Australia, New Zealand, South America and Antarctica. Improving forecasts of these weather systems is essential for protecting lives and property, supporting aviation and shipping, and helping communities prepare for hazardous weather.