Wind Gust and Relative Humidity Forecasts Now Available on "Earth Weather"

Wind Gust and Relative Humidity Forecasts Now Available on "Earth Weather"

Ho Chun-kit

In July, the Observatory enhanced the "Earth Weather" website, by introducing computer model forecasts of wind gusts and relative humidity. "Gust" refers to the maximum instantaneous wind speed of a sudden rush of wind – which is typically stronger, with intensity fluctuating more than the sustained wind. The website also adopts more advanced graphic rendering and data processing technologies, to improve the browsing experience.

Below is an example of a gust forecast from the computer model. With the combined effect of the northeast monsoon and Tropical Cyclone Nangka, the model forecasts strong gusts along the coast of Guangdong and over the northern South China Sea (indicated by yellow and red colours):