#typhoon

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    China leans on AI forecasting tools as Typhoon Dol…

    ByJustpaste.in

    China has ramped up investment in artificial intelligence powered weather forecasting as the country works to track a rising number of natural disasters and predict extreme weather events such as powerful typhoons, intense rainfall and prolonged heatwaves tied to climate change. The country has positioned itself as a leading force in data driven meteorology, increasingly running AI systems alongside traditional forecasting methods rather than replacing them outright. As meteorologists monitored Typhoon Dolphin’s approach toward China in recent days, a newer generation of AI weather models operated in parallel with conventional forecasting systems, underscoring China’s expanding role in the broader push to improve storm prediction. Unlike standard numerical weather models, which depend on powerful supercomputers to simulate the physics of the atmosphere, AI based systems instead learn from decades of historical weather data. That approach lets them generate forecasts within seconds or minutes while using only a small fraction of the computing power traditional methods require. According to a state affiliated newspaper, some of China’s most prominent AI forecasting tools include Fengwu, built by the Shanghai AI Laboratory, Huawei’s Pangu Weather system, and Fuxi, developed at Fudan University. These models are increasingly being put through real world testing during East Asia’s intense typhoon season, a period when even modest improvements in tracking a storm’s path can help authorities plan flood responses, coordinate evacuations and manage disruptions to transportation networks. Fengwu in particular has shown strong results in predicting storm trajectories, with researchers noting that AI based systems can produce forecasts far faster than conventional models while matching or, in some cases, surpassing them on certain accuracy measures. The rapid progress in AI driven weather forecasting has sparked growing competition among technology firms, research institutions and national meteorological agencies worldwide, with China establishing itself as one of the sector’s most active players. Even so, meteorologists caution that AI tools currently serve as a complement to physics based forecasting rather than a full replacement. These systems still struggle to accurately capture sudden shifts in storm intensity, and they remain largely untested when it comes to long term climate modeling. As a result, traditional forecasting methods are expected to remain a core part of weather prediction for the foreseeable future, even as AI tools continue to mature and take on a larger role alongside them. The push toward AI assisted forecasting fits into a broader global trend, as governments and research institutions increasingly explore machine learning as a tool for anticipating the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather linked to a changing climate.

  • Typhoon Dolphin hits southern Japan

    ByJustpaste.in

    A powerful weather has disrupted daily life  across East Asia as Typhoon Dolphin batters Japan’s southern islands and advances toward the eastern coast of China. Delivering gale-force winds, high seas, and torrential downpours, the storm has already left behind a trail of power outages, localized injuries, and widespread travel cancellations. Destruction and Disruption Across Southern Japan The southern Japanese archipelago felt the initial brunt of Typhoon Dolphin as the storm barreled through Okinawa prefecture and extended its reach toward Amami Island in Kagoshima prefecture. Moving at a steady pace toward the northwest, the cyclone produced maximum sustained winds around 162 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour), accompanied by intense gusts reaching up to 216 kilometers per hour (134 miles per hour). Local authorities in Okinawa reported multiple injuries, primarily among elderly residents who were knocked down by strong wind gusts. Beyond the physical toll, the severe weather inflicted substantial damage on regional infrastructure. High wind speeds tore down power lines and damaged utilities, temporarily cutting off electricity to more than 50,000 households and commercial buildings across Kagoshima and Okinawa. To ensure public safety, major Japanese carriers, including All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines, suspended domestic air service across affected southern island terminals. In total, hundreds of regional flights were grounded, stranding travelers and disrupting commerce. Prefectural governments issued precautionary evacuation warnings for hundreds of thousands of residents living in flood-prone coastal locations and elevated landslide zones. China Prepares for Severe Coastal Landfall As Typhoon Dolphin charts a path across the East China Sea, Chinese meteorological authorities have begun executing extensive emergency protocols. The storm is forecasted to make landfall along China’s eastern coastline between Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, with the impact expected to peak between late Sunday and early Monday. Forecasts indicate the storm could bring heavy sustained rainfall through mid-week, with isolated areas in Zhejiang province receiving over 600 millimeters (23.6 inches) of rain. In response to the imminent threat, regional officials elevated typhoon alert levels to their highest settings. Maritime authorities ordered thousands of fishing vessels to return to port immediately and halted operations across key coastal transportation routes, suspending over a hundred passenger ferry services. The severe weather has caused major disruptions to the region’s shipping and logistics hubs. Maritime Shipping: Port operations at key global maritime locations, including Shanghai’s Yangshan Port and terminals in Ningbo, were paused as ships cleared out to safety. Aviation: Regional hubs, such as Ningbo Lishe International Airport, announced complete groundings and flight cancellations. Rail Travel: High-speed and freight rail lines operating throughout the Yangtze River Delta were scheduled for temporary suspensions. Broader Regional and Geopolitical Ripples The storm’s path has created ripple effects across neighboring waters. In Taiwan, dozens of international flights were grounded due to adverse flight conditions. Additionally, regulatory notices issued for maritime traffic through the Taiwan Strait sparked brief administrative tensions between local authorities and maritime agencies.   As emergency crews in Japan focus on restoring electrical service and clearing debris, officials across eastern China remain on high alert. Local governments in Shanghai and Beijing are activating flood prevention measures. The management is preparing emergency shelters and monitoring water levels in anticipation of heavy rainfall and potential inland flooding over the coming days.