Operational forecasting of human-biometeorological conditions.

Area of Science:

• Meteorology
• Environmental Science
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Standard meteorological forecasts often lack detailed human thermal perception data.
• Assessing the thermal environment requires specialized human-biometeorological models.
• Operational weather services can be enhanced with human-centric environmental information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present an operational forecasting service for human-biometeorological conditions.
• To couple numerical weather prediction (NWP) models with an advanced human-biometeorological model.
• To provide daily, user-friendly thermal stress forecasts for Greece.

Main Methods:

• Coupling NWP models with a sophisticated human-biometeorological model.
• Generating daily forecasts in both point and gridded formats.
• Utilizing a web-based platform for public dissemination of forecasts.

Main Results:

• Successful development of an operational human-biometeorological forecasting service.
• Daily forecasts of human thermal perception and stress are now available for Greece.
• Demonstrated feasibility of replacing standard meteorological indices with biometeorological assessments.

Conclusions:

• The developed service provides a valuable tool for assessing the thermal environment.
• Human-biometeorology-oriented warnings for extreme weather events (heat waves, cold outbreaks) can be effectively issued.
• This approach enhances public health and safety by providing relevant thermal stress information.