Real-time ocean data enhances hurricane forecasting accuracy
In a significant step forward for weather forecasting, Sofar Ocean has teamed up with the National Mesonet Program (NMP), KBR and Synoptic Data PBC to supply real-time ocean sensor data to the USA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC). This collaboration provides the NHC with critical ocean observations, boosting situational awareness and improving early-warning systems for extreme weather events.
Sofar’s Spotter buoys, deployed across the globe, deliver valuable data on wave activity, wind, sea surface temperature and atmospheric pressure. These buoys are strategically airdropped into the paths of hurricanes 24–48 hours before landfall, giving forecasters rare insight into the chaotic conditions of major storms. The data from these ocean sensors fills an observational gap that satellites and other sources cannot capture, particularly in the open ocean.
Sofar’s ocean observations are now fully integrated into the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) – the core platform the NHC relies on to prepare and issue weather forecasts and warnings.
Capturing data points
“Real-time data is essential for reducing weather and climate uncertainty, and forecasting extreme storms,” said Tim Janssen, co-founder and CEO of Sofar. He emphasized that Sofar’s global network of sensors makes direct observations at a planetary scale, providing the NHC with “the ground truth data it needs to support early-warning systems.”
Curtis Marshall, NWS programme manager for the NMP, praised the collaboration, noting the value of these oceanic observations. “Wind, wave and temperature data from these buoys could be useful to weather forecasters, as exemplified by their utility to the operations of the National Hurricane Center and the Ocean Prediction Center,” said Marshall.
Hurricane season intensifies
As the hurricane season intensifies in the Atlantic, the NHC is leveraging Sofar’s data in real-time operations to gain a better understanding of extreme conditions generated by storms. Isabel Houghton, principal research scientist at Sofar, explained the importance of capturing these previously scarce data points, noting that they complement satellite observations. “These data points help improve critical early-warning systems for hurricanes,” Houghton said.
The successful integration of Sofar’s data into the NWS platform was driven by NWS’ Total Operational Weather Readiness – Satellites (TOWR-S) team, along with prime contractor KBR and Synoptic Data PBC. “Synoptic is proud to facilitate the integration of Sofar’s data into the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center through the NMP,” commented Elizabeth Wilson, director of weather programmes at Synoptic.
She pointed out that this partnership fills crucial observational gaps in the open ocean, where traditional data sources are limited. “By ensuring that real-time ocean data is accessible to forecasters, we are helping to improve the accuracy of forecasts and ultimately contributing to better preparedness and response efforts during hurricane season,” Wilson added.
Safety of maritime operations
In addition to its value for weather forecasting, this development holds significant interest for hydrographers. The detailed data gathered by Sofar’s buoys enhances the understanding of ocean currents, sea surface dynamics and underwater conditions – all crucial elements for coastal mapping, navigation and marine safety.
By delivering real-time information, especially in storm-prone regions, these sensors offer hydrographers valuable insights into how extreme weather impacts marine environments. This allows for more precise and timely mapping of seafloors and coastlines, ultimately improving the safety of maritime operations.
As climate change drives an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, collaborations like this are proving invaluable. With improved access to real-time data, forecasters are better equipped to protect lives and property in the face of increasingly unpredictable storm systems.
