Short-term weather forecasting in the Philippines is set for an upgrade, thanks to a new system deployed and studied by researchers from the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Using a dense sensor network, a satellite antenna, and various scientific devices, the system collects nationwide data on lightning frequency, weather parameters, and cloud structure to generate precise estimates of typhoon and thunderstorm behaviors as they occur.
The DOST, through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), funded the development of the system under the Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorms or ULAT project worth P32.7 million.
The results of the study will be unveiled in the upcoming 6th National R&D Conference (NRDC) on Nov. 10 and 17, with the theme “Pananaliksik at Pagpapaunlad: Daan Tungo sa Pagbabago (Road to Recovery through R&D).” It will feature the latest innovations derived from research and development (R&D) to support the country.
“Our weather forecasting instruments are our first line of defense, shielding us from the effects of severe weather,” said DOST Sec. Fortunato T. dela Peña. “The ULAT project will be beneficial in quantifying the intensity of the typhoons that pass through the country with reasonable accuracy in a short period of time. It will serve as an additional tool in weather forecasting for DOST-PAGASA.”
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the University of the Philippines-Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UP-IESM) served as collaborating agencies.
Hokkaido University (HU), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) provided technical know-how from subject matter experts in the field under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development or SATREPS program.
Forecasts made by the ULAT system could enable local government units and disaster risk reduction management offices across the country to readily issue data-driven responses during severe weather disturbances.
Ongoing activities under the project include operationalizing the satellite antenna and rehabilitating the operations center of the ground receiving station located at Dumangas town in Iloilo province.
The ULAT project is just one of the R&D initiatives that will be presented during the 6th National R&D Conference to be held on Nov. 10 and 17, 2021.
For those interested to attend, they may register via this link: https://bit.ly/6thNRDC2021. For further details, the NRDC website may be accessed at http://nrdc.dost.gov.ph/. Viewers may also go to the NRDC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dostnrdc. (by Allyster A. Endozo / DOST-STII) – jlo
