Improving the Prediction and Communication of Weather/Climate Extremes in Africa and the United States

Welcome to the Workshop on Climate/Weather Extremes Prediction and Communication!

Dates: August 12-14, 2024

Location: Earth Engineering Sciences Building, Pennsylvania State University

Start Time: 8:00 a.m.

Zoom Link for Online Participants: https://psu.zoom.us/j/96651498855

About the Workshop

Extreme climate and weather-related hazards, such as tropical cyclones, severe storms, and flooding, pose an imminent threat to populations worldwide. In 2023 alone, Africa suffered over 12,000 deaths from floods and tropical cyclones, while the United States recorded 144 fatalities from all three hazards. Between 1980 and 2024, these hazards have claimed more than 9,700 lives in the U.S. Improved prediction and timely communication of these hazards are crucial for reducing fatalities. This 3-day workshop brings together experts from operational, research, and academic fields to identify improvements and challenges in prediction and communication, aiming to forge a path forward for the United States and Africa while tackling capacity-building challenges.

Workshop Highlights

  • In-Depth Lectures: Gain insights from expert-led sessions on organized convective storms, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, and flooding.

  • Advanced Predictive Tools: Learn about the latest advancements in numerical weather prediction, ensemble forecasting, and new observation technologies.
  • Effective Communication: Explore the roles of social media and traditional media in effectively communicating weather and climate extremes.
  • Regional Focus Sessions: Participate in dedicated discussions on the prediction and impact of weather extremes in both Africa and the United States.
  • Collaborative Discussions: Engage in dialogues about emerging needs, potential solutions, and international collaboration for improving predictive tools and communication strategies.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed for students, operational meteorologists, researchers, media professionals, and those with an interest in the prediction and communication of severe thunderstorms, flooding, and tropical cyclones in Africa and the United States, with an emphasis on underserved and minority communities.

Sponsored by

This workshop is organized by AESEDA members and funded through the Inter-Institutional Program for Diversifying Research (IPDR) by Huck Life Sciences Institute, Penn State University.