South Africa has reliable early warning systems, according to the Weather Service.
Soweto resident Sbongile Nkosi, says she heard nothing from no one about the localized floods in March this year. Neighbour Beatrice Mokaba, says she heard the warning on radio, the day before the heavy rains flooded parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
When people are alerted on time, they can respond better to events, including floods, fires, storms, severe thunderstorms, extreme heat and cold, drought, and others.
To what extent are early warnings successful?
Just a day ago, Environment and Climate Change Canada, issuied warnings about poor air quality in worst-hit parts of Alberta and British Columbia.
According to World Meteorological Organization, there is unusually warm, dry weather, which has resulted in wildfires in western Canada this month.
The smoke cloud was reportedly 1,500 km long.
How is it possible to detect future weather events?
Earth observation is used in various types of early warning systems. Some examples of applications include: To track the path of cyclones and hurricanes at sea before they make it to land. To assess the severity of droughts in comparison to historic droughts.
A lot of work goes into early warning systems including detection, analysis, prediction, and then warnings followed by action.
SA weather warnings are issued on: https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/forecastques
For more information on weather warnings: +27 12 367 6041