Publication: Improving Lead Time for Tropical Cyclone Forecasting: Review of Operational Practices and Implications for Bangladesh
Date
2018
ISSN
Published
2018
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
Bangladesh is one of the most densely
populated countries in the world. Owing to its low-lying
topography, dense river network, location, and climate, it
is exposed to a range of water and climate-related hazards.
Tropical cyclones are among the most severe of these
hazards. A key focus for improving disaster preparedness
and early warning systems in Bangladesh is improved lead
times for tropical cyclone forecasting including the quality
and skill of the forecast. At present, the lead time for
tropical cyclone forecast used by the Bangladesh
Meteorological Department (BMD), the main government agency
responsible for issuing forecasts for tropical cyclone and
storm surges, is three days. If lead times of 10 to 15 days
with relatively high accuracy are possible, as the European
Centre for Medium-Range Forecasting (ECMWF) suggests, why is
it not being done in Bangladesh and what can be done to
improve the forecast lead time? This question motivated the
writing of this paper. Critical to extending the lead times
for forecasting is a better understanding of the factors
that limit increasing the lead time of current forecasts.
This book is arranged as follows: Chapter 1 gives
description of the background and rationale for the report;
Chapter 2 describes current global operational practices for
forecasting tropical cyclones and storm surges, including
practices at other national agencies; Chapter 3 assesses the
extent to which Bangladesh uses international and regional
operational practices and the technical and governance
issues that limit their use; and Chapter 4 provides a
summary and recommendations.
Citation
“World Bank. 2018. Improving Lead Time for Tropical Cyclone Forecasting: Review of Operational Practices and Implications for Bangladesh. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/29825 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”