Why NowCast matters: when a forecast turns into live weather
A thunderstorm complex over Barcelona shows why model forecasts and live observation belong together: NowCast shows what is really happening now.
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Weather models show what could happen. RADAR + NowCast shows what is actually happening right now, and where precipitation will move in the next few minutes.
A current example from Spain shows very clearly why we at meteo365.es attach so much importance to combining weather forecasts with live weather observation.
On Tuesday evening a mesoscale convective system (MCS) developed in the Barcelona region, in simple terms a larger, organised complex of thunderstorms. Locally, more than 50 mm of rain fell within a single hour. The enormous amounts of rain in a very short time again led to considerable flooding.
It is precisely in situations like these that the big difference between a model forecast and the actual development becomes clear.
But a model remains a forecast.
Thunderstorms in particular can develop, intensify, weaken or change direction within a short time. Even high-resolution models cannot determine hours in advance exactly where a single strong thunderstorm cell will develop and how much rain will actually fall there within 30 or 60 minutes.
That is why our rule is:
Forecasts tell you what may happen, RADAR + NowCast shows you what is happening.
It shows where precipitation is falling right now, how intense it is and where the areas of precipitation are likely to move in the minutes immediately ahead.
That is decisive above all in fast-moving thunderstorm situations. A thunderstorm can produce enormous amounts of rain within a short time. For holidaymakers, drivers, outdoor activities or a planned trip to the beach, 15, 30 or 60 minutes can therefore make a considerable difference.
Another special feature of our system: RADAR + NowCast distinguishes between rain, sleet, snow and hail.
And we are rather proud of that: we believe our system offers one of the best NowCasts for Spain.
Our weather models help with planning the coming hours and days. At meteo365.es the forecasts are updated four times a day for the whole world.
When the weather comes closer, current observations become ever more important.
With our EUMETSAT satellite data you can follow where clouds are and where the sun is shining. Our live weather stations show current measurements, our webcams give a direct view of conditions on site, and RADAR + NowCast concentrates on the current precipitation situation and how it develops in the short term.
Forecast, observation and RADAR + NowCast together create a far more complete picture of the weather.
Once thunderstorms actually form, what counts is the current development.
That is why, especially on days with showers, thunderstorms or heavy rain, we recommend: do not only look at the daily forecast in the morning. Follow the actual development during the day as well.meteo365.es: understand the weather. Follow it live. Plan ahead better.
A current example from Spain shows very clearly why we at meteo365.es attach so much importance to combining weather forecasts with live weather observation.
On Tuesday evening a mesoscale convective system (MCS) developed in the Barcelona region, in simple terms a larger, organised complex of thunderstorms. Locally, more than 50 mm of rain fell within a single hour. The enormous amounts of rain in a very short time again led to considerable flooding.
It is precisely in situations like these that the big difference between a model forecast and the actual development becomes clear.
A forecast is not a live observation
Modern weather models are enormously capable. Days in advance they can recognise whether a weather situation has the potential for heavy rain, thunderstorms or storms.But a model remains a forecast.
Thunderstorms in particular can develop, intensify, weaken or change direction within a short time. Even high-resolution models cannot determine hours in advance exactly where a single strong thunderstorm cell will develop and how much rain will actually fall there within 30 or 60 minutes.
That is why our rule is:
Forecasts tell you what may happen, RADAR + NowCast shows you what is happening.
RADAR + NowCast: the next few minutes in view
Our RADAR + NowCast combines current radar data with our own NowCast algorithm.It shows where precipitation is falling right now, how intense it is and where the areas of precipitation are likely to move in the minutes immediately ahead.
That is decisive above all in fast-moving thunderstorm situations. A thunderstorm can produce enormous amounts of rain within a short time. For holidaymakers, drivers, outdoor activities or a planned trip to the beach, 15, 30 or 60 minutes can therefore make a considerable difference.
Another special feature of our system: RADAR + NowCast distinguishes between rain, sleet, snow and hail.
And we are rather proud of that: we believe our system offers one of the best NowCasts for Spain.
Forecast and observation belong together
This is explicitly not about playing weather models off against current observations. On the contrary: the two do different jobs and complement each other.Our weather models help with planning the coming hours and days. At meteo365.es the forecasts are updated four times a day for the whole world.
When the weather comes closer, current observations become ever more important.
With our EUMETSAT satellite data you can follow where clouds are and where the sun is shining. Our live weather stations show current measurements, our webcams give a direct view of conditions on site, and RADAR + NowCast concentrates on the current precipitation situation and how it develops in the short term.
Forecast, observation and RADAR + NowCast together create a far more complete picture of the weather.
Know what is happening, and plan ahead better
The Barcelona example shows how quickly a weather situation can escalate. A general forecast for thunderstorms or heavy rain is therefore only part of the information.Once thunderstorms actually form, what counts is the current development.
That is why, especially on days with showers, thunderstorms or heavy rain, we recommend: do not only look at the daily forecast in the morning. Follow the actual development during the day as well.meteo365.es: understand the weather. Follow it live. Plan ahead better.
