AWS TR 240, by Maj Gary D. Atkinson, has served as the reference manual for USAF weather forecasting in the tropics since it was first published in 1971. Although it has endured for the past 20 years, HQ Air Weather Service recognized the need for an update and contracted with tropical forecasting authority Dr Colin S. Ramage to produce one. Although a great deal of new material has been added to reflect new techniques and new technology, it still covers the basic facts of climatology, circulation, and synoptic models, with emphasis on analysis and forecasting techniques for the tropics. Physical factors that control tropical circulations are discussed briefly. The climatologies of pressure, winds, temperature, humidity, clouds, rainfall, and disturbances are presented in a form specially suitable for forecasters. Analysis and forecasting of disturbances, cyclones, severe weather, terminal weather, etc., are treated at length. The uses of climatology and the interpretation and use of weather satellite imagery are emphasized. Numerous figures adapted from the literature or prepared by the author illustrate all the essential facts and principles discussed. A summary of the state of art and future outlook of tropical meteorology is included, along with an extensive bibliography. (MM).

The urge to understand tropical meteorology has been driven by a variety of forces that include the devastation caused by tropical cyclones, demands by military operations (for example, World War II, the Marshall Islands weapons tests, and the conflict in southeast Asia), and the belief of influential mid-latitude meteorologists that the tropics may hold the key to successful forecasts of global weather patterns and climate change. As correctly forecast in the Preface to the first (1971) edition, “Forecasters' Guide to Tropical Meteorology,” by Major Gary D. Atkinson, AWS TR 240 was used not only to train Air Weather Service meteorologists, but also as a text for university courses. It was even translated into Chinese. Technological advances in the last 20 years, especially in satellite-based observations, have not seriously affected views expressed in the first edition, but have allowed them to be expanded and refined. Both climatology and synoptic meteorology have benefitted, while many hitherto obscure parts of the tropics have been exposed to the global eye. This edition was prepared under contract with the Department of Meteorology, University of Hawaii. Satellite data and wide-ranging research now allow the tropics to be treated more evenly and extensively than before. Sections dealing with Africa, the Americas, and south and southwest Asia have been expanded. Satellite picture illustrate tropical systems and processes.

A practical manual for training and reference use of USAF weather forecasters who will work in the tropics, it covers basic facts of climatology, circulation, synoptic models, analysis and forecasting, application throughout the tropics. A broad survey is made of the literature, evaluated in light of the experience of the author. Physical factors controlling tropical circulations are briefly discussed. The data sources for synoptic purposes are reviewed. Climatology of pressure, winds, temperature, humidity, clouds, rainfall and disturbances is presented in a form specially suitable for forecasters. Analysis and for forecasting of disturbances, cyclones, severe weather, terminal weather, etc., are treated at length. Emphasis is placed on uses of climatology and satellite cloud photos. Over 230 figures adapted from the literature or prepared by the author serve to illustrate all the essential facts and principles discussed. A summary of the state of art and future outlook of tropical meteorology is included.

A practical manual for training and reference use of USAF weather forecasters who will work in the tropics, it covers basic facts of climatology, circulation, synoptic models, analysis and forecasting, application throughout the tropics. A broad survey is made of the literature, evaluated in light of the experience of the author. Physical factors controlling tropical circulations are briefly discussed. The data sources for synoptic purposes are reviewed. Climatology of pressure, winds, temperature, humidity, clouds, rainfall and disturbances is presented in a form specially suitable for forecasters. Analysis and for forecasting of disturbances, cyclones, severe weather, terminal weather, etc., are treated at length. Emphasis is placed on uses of climatology and satellite cloud photos. Over 230 figures adapted from the literature or prepared by the author serve to illustrate all the essential facts and principles discussed. A summary of the state of art and future outlook of tropical meteorology is included.

Meteorology of tropical West Africa: the Forecasters’ Handbook presents the science and practice of weather forecasting for an important region of the tropics. Connecting basic theory with forecasting practice, the book provides a unique training volume for operational weather forecasters, and is also suitable for students of tropical meteorology. The West African region contains a number of archetypal climatic zones, meaning that the science of its weather and climate applies to many other tropical regions. West Africa also exhibits some of the world’s most remarkable weather systems, making it an inspiring region for students to investigate. The weather of West Africa affects human livelihoods on a daily basis, and can contribute to hardship, poverty and mortality. Therefore, the ability to understand and predict the weather has the potential to deliver significant benefits to both society and economies. The book includes comprehensive background material alongside documentation of weather forecasting methods. Many examples taken from observations of West African weather systems are included and online case-studies are referenced widely.