Scientists improve forecasting of high temperatures in western China

Scientists from China and UK have come up with a better prediction model for high temperatures in western China.

Extreme high temperatures in western China are frequent in summer, and the frequency has increased significantly with strong implications for the water cycle, agriculture and ecosystems.

The Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the UK Met Office's Hadley Center created a predicative model using the Met Office global seasonal forecasting system, published online in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences in June.

The study explained the mechanism of temperature prediction in western China with sea surface temperatures in the tropical and western Pacific the main influencing factors.

The research may be useful for providing early warning of extreme weather events.