Rainstorm a lesson for forecasters
NEW staff, computers and practices have been introduced at the Royal Observatory in an attempt to improve forecasting since last May's torrential rainfall, which was forecast only 30 minutes before it hit Hongkong.
As a result, schools stayed open and severe weather procedures were not followed.
According to the acting assistant director in charge of operations and meteorological services, Mr Chan Yuk-kwan, more experienced forecasters are now being deployed at the Central Forecasting Office and new computer software is improving and accelerating the display of weather data.
Information from a high-speed workstation was now given to the forecaster in a clearer and more organised format, making it easier to analyse and produce a forecast quickly, he said.
Since last year's rainstorm, of a strength expected only once every 70 years, the Royal Observatory had also developed a greater understanding of the weather patterns which produced such an event, Mr Chan said.
The Royal Observatory advises other government departments, such as education and transport.
