P1.2
Climatology and interannual variability of South African synoptic scale storms
Timothy Eichler, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Mo; and W. Higgins
Mid-latitude storms have a major impact on transportation, industry, and the public in South Africa. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable due to the effects of high winds and wave damage. Industries such as the offshore diamond industry would benefit from improved seasonal guidance regarding the intensity and frequency of storms. This research utilizes the 6-hourly SLP from NCEP reanalysis to generate the seasonal climatology of the frequency and intensity of South African storm tracks. In addition, the interannual variability of storms is investigated by utilizing the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) which is known to alter the jetstream across South Africa. Storms are composited by IOD phase to investigate the effects of IOD on South African storm tracks. Consequently, this work will show that impacts of the IOD on storm tracks can be used to develop seasonal prediction tools for South Africa in a similar fashion as forecasts which incorporate ENSO.
Poster Session 1, African Climate Poster Session
Monday, 21 January 2008, 2:30 PM-4:00 PM, Exhibit Hall B
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