Developments in meteorology; centenary celebrations of the royal meteorological society.
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Humans↗
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The effect of the meteorological factors, meteorologic phenomena and weather types on the frequency of the appearance of the cerebrovascular insults in the Skopje area (SR Macedonia).
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Adult↗
[Studies on the meteorological correlations of suicides. I. The rate of suicides at different meteorological situations].
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Humans↗
Modeling the long-term frequency distribution of regional ozone concentrations using synthetic meteorology.
A new method is developed to generate the meteorological input fields required for use with photochemical airshed models that seek to predict the effect of pollutant emissions on the long-term frequency distribution of peak O3 concentrations. Instead of using meteorological fields derived from interpolation of direct weather observations, this method uses synthetically generated meteorological data. These synthetic meteorological fields are created by first constructing a semi-Markov process that generates a time series of large-scale synoptic weather conditions that statistically resemble the occurrence and persistence of synoptic weather patterns during specific months of the year. Then for each day within each synoptic weather category, local weather variables indicative of the meteorological potential for ozone formation are drawn from the approximated joint distribution of the summation of three pressure gradients across the airshed and the 850 mb temperature measured in the early morning. The synthetic initial conditions are combined with boundary values that are extracted from historical days that match the chosen synoptic class, temperature, and pressure gradient values as closely as possible for use in a prognostic mesoscale meteorological model. The prognostic mesoscale meteorological model generates the meteorological input fields necessary for the photochemical airshed model. The airshed model driven by synthetically generated meteorological data is executed for a 31 day period that statistically resembles weather during the month of August in Southern California using pollutant emissions data from the year 1987. The procedure produced a frequency of occurrence of peak 8 h average ozone concentrations that compared well both to that produced by the deterministic model as well as to the O3 concentrations observed over the August months of the years 1984-1990.
Air Pollutants↗
Influence of meteorological parameters on Olea pollen concentrations in Córdoba (south-western Spain).
The influence of meteorological parameters on the dispersion of airborne pollen has been studied by several authors. Olive pollen is the major cause of allergy in southern Spain, where a large part of the arable surface area is given over to olive cultivation. Daily pollen forecasts provide important information both for pollen-allergy sufferers and for agronomists trying to achieve a better biological understanding of variations in airborne olive pollen levels. The main purpose of this paper is to study, by means of short-term statistical analysis, the effect of meteorological parameters on airborne olive pollen concentrations in the city of Cordoba (south-western Spain). Twenty-one-year (1982-2002) aerobiological and meteorological databases were used. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to study the relationships between olive pollen levels and several meteorological parameters. Statistical analysis was applied both to the whole pollen season and to the pre-peak period. Daily meteorological parameters, such as accumulated mean temperature, accumulated sunlight hours, and accumulated rainfall were used as independent variables in both statistical analyses. Accumulated meteorological variables were of the greatest value in most regression analysis equations, heat-related variables being the most important.
Forecasting↗
Alternaria spores in the atmosphere of Sydney, Australia, and relationships with meteorological factors.
Alternaria spores are found in the atmosphere in many locations around the world. They are significant from a human health perspective because they have been known to trigger allergic respiratory disease such as asthma and hay-fever. The presence of Alternaria spores in the atmosphere has been related to meteorological factors in past studies, but this has not been done previously in Sydney, Australia. This paper reports the results of such a study in Sydney. Alternaria spore concentration data for the period 19 August 1992 to 31 December 1995 were examined with meteorological data for the same period. The daily Alternaria spore concentration was compared to the meteorological data for the same day and for up to 3 days previously. The analysis methods were Spearman's rank correlation and multiple regression. Alternaria spores appear in the atmosphere of Sydney year-round, although they peak over spring, summer, and autumn. A number of meteorological factors, including mean, minimum, and maximum, temperature, dew point temperature, and air pressure, are significantly correlated with the atmospheric concentration of Alternaria spores. Some of these meteorological variables (temperature and dew point temperature) show significant correlations with a 1, 2, and 3 day lag, as well as for the same day. Regression models indicate that up to 31.1% of the variation in Alternaria spore concentration can be explained by meteorological factors. There is potential for the results of this study to be used by public health authorities in the prediction of Alternaria spore concentrations in Sydney.
Alternaria↗
Deriving meteorological variables across Africa for the study and control of vector-borne disease: a comparison of remote sensing and spatial interpolation of climate.
This paper presents the results of an investigation into the utility of remote sensing (RS) using meteorological satellites sensors and spatial interpolation (SI) of data from meteorological stations, for the prediction of spatial variation in monthly climate across continental Africa in 1990. Information from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) polar-orbiting meteorological satellites was used to estimate land surface temperature (LST) and atmospheric moisture. Cold cloud duration (CCD) data derived from the High Resolution Radiometer (HRR) on-board the European Meteorological Satellite programme's (EUMETSAT) Meteosat satellite series were also used as a RS proxy measurement of rainfall. Temperature, atmospheric moisture and rainfall surfaces were independently derived from SI of measurements from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) member stations of Africa. These meteorological station data were then used to test the accuracy of each methodology, so that the appropriateness of the two techniques for epidemiological research could be compared. SI was a more accurate predictor of temperature, whereas RS provided a better surrogate for rainfall; both were equally accurate at predicting atmospheric moisture. The implications of these results for mapping short and long-term climate change and hence their potential for the study and control of disease vectors are considered. Taking into account logistic and analytical problems, there were no clear conclusions regarding the optimality of either technique, but there was considerable potential for synergy.
Africa↗
Meteorological parameters and the pattern of dermatology clinic attendance through a calendar year: a Sri Lankan experience.
BACKGROUND: Dermatology clinic attendance at a major hospital depends on many factors. We planned to determine the monthly variations of skin disease presentation and whether there was a correlation between the clinic attendance pattern of skin diseases and meteorological parameters. METHODS: The dermatology clinic attendance pattern was studied prospectively throughout a calendar year on a monthly basis at the dermatology clinic of the General Hospital, Matara, Sri Lanka. One thousand and twenty-three consecutive dermatology consultations in the private sector were also analyzed for comparison. Meteorological data were obtained from the Government Department of Meteorology. RESULTS: A total of 7419 first visit patients were seen at the general hospital. July and September recorded the highest number (718 each) and April recorded the lowest (426). The lowest relative humidity was in March (75%) and the highest in October (87%). The average maximum temperature ranged from 31.2 degrees C (April) to 29.1 degrees C (August, September). Average rainfall was between 622 mm (October) and 59 mm (June). Of the diseases considered to have a relationship to meteorological parameters, miliaria showed the biggest fluctuation (27 in May to zero in August). Photodermatitis was highest in August. The variation in asteatotic dermatitis patients was minimal. Dermatitis and fungal diseases comprised over 50% of clinic attendance throughout the year in both the state and private sectors. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were significant fluctuations in several disease categories in different months, a clear linear correlation between meteorological parameters and the disease presentation pattern could not be established. This could be due to the narrow range of variation in the meteorological parameters in the geographic area and the multiple variables involved in persons presenting to the dermatology clinic.
Dermatology↗
Meteorological factors and the onset of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.
There have been numerous studies of the relationship between intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and meteorological conditions, but their conclusions have been inconsistent. Poor discrimination of ICH subtypes (primary or secondary) may have obscured the conclusions. Although most studies have analyzed seasonal or monthly variation, daily meteorological data are more appropriate for determining whether weather conditions play a role in triggering the onset of ICH. No studies have examined the activity and location of patients at the time of onset. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of hypertensive ICH and daily meteorological parameters, in addition to examining the effect of the location and activity of the patient at the time of onset. We analyzed 138 patients with severe hypertensive ICH in a hospital-based population. We assessed whether daily meteorological parameters for the days on which ICH occurred differed from the days without ICH onset. Days on which hypertensive ICH occurred had a significantly lower minimum temperature and a decreased minimum temperature from that of the previous day ( P=0.042 [corrected] and 0.012 [corrected] respectively). There were no significant differences among subgroups of patients categorized according to their location and activity at the time of onset for any of the meteorological parameters.
Adult↗
Future directions of meteorology related to air-quality research.
Meteorology is one of the major factors contributing to air-pollution episodes. More accurate representation of meteorological fields has been possible in recent years through the use of remote sensing systems, high-speed computers and fine-mesh meteorological models. Over the next 5-20 years, better meteorological inputs for air quality studies will depend on making better use of a wealth of new remotely sensed observations in more advanced data assimilation systems. However, for fine mesh models to be successful, parameterizations used to represent physical processes must be redesigned to be more precise and better adapted for the scales at which they will be applied. Candidates for significant overhaul include schemes to represent turbulence, deep convection, shallow clouds, and land-surface processes. Improvements in the meteorological observing systems, data assimilation and modeling, coupled with advancements in air-chemistry modeling, will soon lead to operational forecasting of air quality in the US. Predictive capabilities can be expected to grow rapidly over the next decade. This will open the way for a number of valuable new services and strategies, including better warnings of unhealthy atmospheric conditions, event-dependent emissions restrictions, and now casting support for homeland security in the event of toxic releases into the atmosphere.
Air Movements↗
Comparison of air pollutant concentrations between weekdays and weekends in Athens, Greece for various meteorological conditions.
The objective of the present study is to contribute to the understanding of the "ozone weekend effect" as it occurs in the Greater Area of Athens, Greece both in the summer and wintertime. Therefore, weekly cycles of CO, NO and O3 concentrations for the 18-year-period 1983-2000 are studied. Each day of the week is considered separately, while sites with different levels of primary pollutants are examined. The reduction of the meteorological influence in the O3 mechanisms is achieved by applying meteorological classifications. The analysis for the cold period reveals that CO and NO display decreasing concentrations from weekdays to weekends, whereas O3 shows increasing concentrations. During the warm period, although primary pollutants display decreased concentrations compared to the cold period, their weekly cycles remain the same. On the other hand, meteorological changes affect the weekly cycle of ozone peaks. During days with unfavourable meteorology to ozone production, weekend ozone concentrations are higher than weekday O3 concentrations. The reverse is observed during days with favourable meteorology to ozone production.
Air Pollutants↗
Determination of optimum time interval of meteorological data used with atmospheric dose modeling at SRS. Savannah River Site.
Measured tritium oxide concentrations in air were compared with calculated values using routine release Gaussian plume models for different time intervals of meteorological data. These comparisons determined an optimum time interval of meteorological data used with atmospheric dose models at the Savannah River Site (SRS). Meteorological data of varying time intervals (1 y to 10 y) were used for the comparison. Insignificant differences are seen in using a 1-y database as opposed to a 5-y database. Use of a 10-y database results in slightly higher or more conservative estimates. For meteorological databases of length 1 y to 5 y the mean ratio of predicted to measured tritium oxide concentrations is approximately 1.25 whereas for the 10-y database the ratio is closer to 1.35. Currently at the SRS a meteorological database of five year's duration is used for all dose models. This study suggests no substantially improved accuracy using shorter or longer time intervals.
Air Pollutants, Radioactive↗
Variations in airborne pollen antigenic particles caused by meteorologic factors.
High birch pollen antigenic activities in outdoor air samples were found in all particle sizes studied (> 7.2, 2.4-7.2, < 2.4 microns and molecular size class, with an ELISA modification). Sampling was done with a low-volume, size-selective bioaerosol sampler (SSBAS) simulating the human respiratory tract in both volume and fractionation. Airborne birch pollen counts for comparisons were obtained from a Burkard trap. No correlations were obtained between antigen concentrations in any particle size fraction and airborne pollen counts. The meteorologic factors studied differed clearly in their effect on antigenicity, depending on the size class studied. Likewise, the effect of meteorologic factors differed among the three study periods (period I, 4 weeks before the peak pollen season; period II, during the season; and period III, 4 weeks after the season). During the peak pollen period, temperature and relative humidity were the most important meteorologic factors. Before the season, large and very small particles predominated, medium-sized particles being totally absent. The largest size class studied (containing all intact pollen grains) clearly reacted to changes in meteorologic factors; for smaller size classes, these factors were found to be less important, a fact which may make the forecasting of antigen concentrations in the air on the basis of meteorologic data impossible.
Air Pollutants↗
The influence of spring and summer New England meteorologic conditions on the respiratory status of patients with chronic lung disease.
To determine whether meteorologic conditions affect the respiratory status of individuals with chronic lung disease, we asked 14 patients who had completed outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation to record the following information daily during the spring and summer of 1991: (1) dyspnea on arising (morning dyspnea); (2) dyspnea throughout the day (daytime dyspnea); (3) peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR); (4) mood; and (5) the presence of lower respiratory tract infection (LRI). The effect of local meteorologic conditions and LRI frequency on morning and daytime dyspnea, PEFR, and mood were analyzed for spring and summer seasons using a linear regression technique that controlled for first-order autocorrelation. The LRI frequency and the preceding day's respiratory status were the most significant predictors of either season's daily variation in respiratory status. During spring, the only meteorologic condition associated with respiratory status was precipitation: rainfall was directly related to increased morning and daytime dyspnea. Meteorologic conditions were not related to changes in PEFR or mood. During summer, the combination of higher temperature, rise in barometric pressure, and increased LRI frequency best predicted increased morning dyspnea, while the combination of higher temperature and rise in barometric pressure best predicted reduced PEFR. Meteorologic conditions were not related to changes in daytime dyspnea or mood. Precipitation in spring and a combination of high temperature and rise in barometric pressure in summer best predicted deterioration in the respiratory status of this group of patients with chronic lung disease.
Aged↗
Effect of meteorological parameters on acute laryngitis in adults.
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of weather conditions on the frequency of acute laryngitis in adults. The medical records of 825 patients with a diagnosis of acute laryngitis obtained over a 5-year period were reviewed. Meteorological data reviewed included the daily values of 13 parameters. The monthly distribution of the disease was assessed. In addition, a detailed 2-part statistical analysis was performed as follows: (i) the relationship between each meteorological parameter and the frequency of the disease was investigated, using contingency tables; and (ii) the 1825-day period was divided into 8 groups characterized by similar weather, using factor and cluster analysis, and the disease frequency in each group was assessed. Our observations were as follows: 1. Meteorological parameters, such as low temperature, low diurnal temperature range, low atmospheric pressure and low mean water vapor pressure, were associated with an increased occurrence of acute laryngitis. 2. Significant changes in maximum temperature or a significant drop in atmospheric pressure, as compared to the previous day's conditions, favored new cases of the disease. 3. The cold period of the year was associated with an almost two-fold increase in the frequency of disease cases, which peaked in March and reaching a minimum during August. 4. The peak frequency of cases was associated with winter weather conditions, which were characterized by high humidity readings. In conclusion, meteorological parameters, and their variation and covariation, are strongly associated with acute laryngitis in adults.
Acute Disease↗
Trends in meteorologically adjusted ozone concentrations in six Kentucky metro areas, 1998-2002.
Meteorologically adjusted ozone (O3) concentrations during five recent O3 seasons (1998-2002) were computed for six Kentucky metro areas using a nonlinear regression model originally developed for forecasting ground-level O3 concentrations. The meteorological adjustment procedure was based on modifying actual measured O3 concentrations according to model-predicted responses to climate departures with respect to a reference year. For all six Kentucky metro areas, meteorologically adjusted O3 concentrations declined over the five-year period. The linear best-fit rate of decline in mean adjusted O3 concentrations ranged from 0.9 to 2.6 ppb/yr for these metro areas; the average rate of decline was 1.6 ppb/yr. The rates of decline in meteorologically adjusted extreme value (e.g., 95th percentile) concentrations were approximately the same, but there is greater statistical uncertainty concerning the extreme value trends.
Cities↗
Estimation of atmospheric mixing heights using data from airport meteorological stations.
In this study, ground and sounding meteorological data at the Beijing Airport during 1991 to 1995 were used for estimating the local atmospheric mixing heights. Three methods were compared for this purpose, including the dry adiabatic method, the Nozaki model, and a modified Nozaki model. The modification of the Nozaki model included joint frequencies for wind-velocity and stability based on the complexities of local meteorological conditions. The estimated values from the three methods were verified through the data measured by the Beijing Meteorological Center. The results indicated that the dry adiabatic method has the best performance. The modified Nozaki model was better than the commonly used. This study is a new attempt in utilizing airport meteorological data to estimate atmospheric mixing heights.
Air Movements↗
[Effect of meteorological factors on the 3,4-benzpyrene concentrations in the ground air layer in the region of the city of Sofia].
An investigation is performed to determine 3,4-benzpyrene content in the Sofia area (in a single spot), covering a one-year period (1970), on the basis of mean monthly concentrations established through gas chromatography, and compared to some of the averaged meteorologic data. The correlation between 3,4-benzpyrene concentrations and some meteorologic factors found is corroborated by the clearcut seasonal fluctuations of 3,4-benzpyrene concentrations in the atmospheric air. An inversely proportional dependence is established of 3,4-benzpyrene concentration to the summed up radiation, and directly proportional--to the dust amount. A rise of 3,4-benzpyrene concentration under conditions of the various types of temperature inversions, and a complex effect of meteorologic factors have been also noted. Moreover, an attempt is made at establishing the washing effect of rainfalls, and it has been found that up to a certain extent, such an effect really exists. The study performed shows in a clearcut manner that 3,4-benzpyrene content is considerably influenced by a variety of meteorologic factors.
Air Pollutants↗