TOKYO - Weathernews forecasts guerrilla rainstorms using meteorological data and posts from app users. AI analyzes the submitted images, displaying the danger level by color. When there’s a possibility of a guerrilla rainstorm, an alarm is sent to users in the affected area to alert them.
To further enhance sky monitoring, a new tool was introduced this year: the "Sorakame" live cameras, which users can install at their homes.
On August 22, based on predictions from the headquarters, "Saturday Station" deployed reporting staff across various locations in the Kanto region. At around 1:30 PM, there was movement in Chiba City.
Tsuyoshi Yanai, Weathernews Forecast Center: "Signs were already visible over the sea, so we preemptively sent out guerrilla rainstorm alarms."
Shortly after, a guerrilla rainstorm hit the area around Chiba Station. The next forecast targeted the Yamanashi area.
Report from Director Ayari Hatanaka (around 2:00 PM): "We received a message from the Prediction Headquarters and are heading toward Koshu City. The sky is still clear."
However, two hours later, the weather began to change.
Report from Director Ayari Hatanaka (around 4:45 PM): "The guerrilla rainstorm alarm just sounded in Koshu City. Thunder is rumbling from all directions… Ah! Lightning just flashed!"
The prediction was spot on, with guerrilla rainstorms bringing heavy rain to Koshu City and nearby Kofu City.
Tsuyoshi Yanai, Weathernews Forecast Center: "Our goal is to improve the capture rate nationwide so we can better support the safety of everyone."
Source: ANN
