Observatory provided training to meteorological services from Thailand, Vietnam and Macao

13 November 2013

The Hong Kong Observatory organized a training course on nowcasting during 21 October- 1 November 2013 as part of the Typhoon Committee Research Fellowship Scheme and the Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao meteorological co-operation. Colleagues from the Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD), the National Hydro-Meteorological Service (NHMS) of Vietnam, and from the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) participated in the training course. The course covered a number of topics on severe weather forecasting, including the rainstorm warning system, quantitative precipitation estimates and forecasts, as well as forecasts of severe weathers such as thunderstorms and associated wind gusts. It also included such practical topics as the installation and operation of the "SWIRLS" nowcasting system along with the use and interpretation of products. All participants engaged actively in the discussions and commented that the course was very useful to their application and development of rainstorm nowcasting techniques.

Participants attending the training course

(from left to right) Mr. Mai Khanh Hung from NHMS, Dr. Sukrit Kirtsaeng from TMD, Mr. Woo Wang-chun and Mr. Cheng Tsz-lo from the Observatory, Mr. Wong Chan-seng and Mr. Wong Ngai-kin from SMG.