Meteorology of Tropical West Africa: The Forecasters' Handbook presents the science and practice of weather forecasting for an important region of the tropics. Connecting basic theory with forecasting practice, the book provides a unique training volume for operational weather forecasters, and is also suitable for students of tropical meteorology.
The West African region contains a number of archetypal climatic zones, meaning that the science of its weather and climate applies to many other tropical regions. West Africa also exhibits some of the world's most remarkable weather systems, making it an inspiring region for students to investigate.
The weather of West Africa affects human livelihoods on a daily basis, and can contribute to hardship, poverty and mortality. Therefore, the ability to understand and predict the weather has the potential to deliver significant benefits to both society and economies.
Meteorology of Tropical West Africa: The Forecasters' Handbook includes comprehensive background material alongside documentation of weather forecasting methods. Many examples taken from observations of West African weather systems are included and online case-studies are referenced widely.
Contributors xiii
Foreword xiv
Preface xv
Acknowledgements xvii
Acronyms xviii
1 Mean Climate and Seasonal Cycle 1
2 Synoptic Systems 40
3 Deep Convection 90
4 Local Weather 130
5 Dust 175
6 Nowcasting 204
7 Subseasonal Forecasting 255
8 Seasonal Forecasting 289
9 Remote Sensing 323
10 Numerical Weather Prediction over Africa 380
11 West African Synthetic Analysis and Forecast: WASA/F 423