There are only a few days left until the start of winter in Brazil, but high temperatures and a lack of rainfall are expected to remain throughout the country. To help ev

There are only a few days left until the start of winter in Brazil, but high temperatures and a lack of rainfall are expected to remain throughout the country. To help everyone prepare for the official arrival of the season on June 21, experts from Meteum, an AI-powered weather forecasting platform, have analyzed the country's main cities and reveal what to expect in the coming weeks.

There are only a few days left until the start of winter in Brazil, but high temperatures and a lack of rainfall are expected to remain throughout the country. To help everyone prepare for the official arrival of the season on June 21, experts from Meteum, an AI-powered weather forecasting platform, have analyzed the country's main cities and reveal what to expect in the coming weeks.

In all states of the federative republic, seasonal temperature norms will be exceeded, and only in Rio Grande do Sul the thermal anomaly insignificant. The deviation from the multi-year average is forecasted to be +0.4°C (16.1°C) in Porto Alegre. This is likely related to the large-scale flooding in May in the region. As large areas are still underwater, they do not heat up well and release less heat into the lower layers of the atmosphere.

All weather information including forecasts, weather radar, and alerts is available in the Weather by [Meteum app for iOS and Android](https://redirect.appmetrica.yandex.com/serve/1037341602000971858). 

### Temperature

In other states, **significant exceedances of typical winter temperatures are expected**. Meteum meteorologists believe that the highest anomalies will be recorded in the Central-West region and some neighboring areas: in Mato Grosso, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia, Paraná, and São Paulo. New records of seasonal winter temperatures are forecasted in Belém, São Luís, and Campo Grande. So, the winter of 2024 will be unusually hot across Brazil, except for Porto Alegre and its surroundings
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**Compared to 2023, winter will be warmer in the central states of Brazil and slightly cooler in the north and the far south of the country.**

For each month of winter and for every major city in the republic, the average monthly temperatures will be significantly higher than the climatic norm. For example, in Fortaleza, Manaus, Belém, and São Luís in July, the coldest month of the year, the average temperatures over 31 days will reach 27-28°C. It is expected that in Belém, July, August, and September will be the hottest in the last 30 years.

### Precipitation

There will be a lack of rainfall across the entire country, except for the north of Roraima and Amapá, as well as the eastern part of the country. Precipitation will be below the multi-year average in all major cities, except for Recife. For example, in Brasília and Goiânia, the amount of rainfall will be three times less than usual, and in Belo Horizonte and Campo Grande – two times less.

Compared to 2023, the upcoming Brazilian winter will be wetter for one-third of the regional capitals: Salvador, Fortaleza, Curitiba, Manaus, Recife, Belém, São Luís, and São Paulo. For example, in Manaus, after an extremely dry last year, three times more rain is expected – up to 300 mm. In the Brazilian Highlands, on the contrary, drier conditions are forecasted. Meteorologists also believe that in Rio Grande do Sul and Porto Alegre, there will be 1.5 times less rainfall than last year – about 400 mm.
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The rainiest month for most cities is September. During this period, the maximum seasonal precipitation is expected in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Manaus, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Goiânia, Porto Alegre, and Campo Grande. Only for the Atlantic coast in the north and northeast of the country will July be the rainiest. In the central part of the republic – Brasília, Belo Horizonte, and Goiânia – July is expected to have no days with precipitation. In the neighboring Campo Grande, it will also be dry (up to 7 mm).






Winter in Brazil will be hot: in all states of the federative republic, seasonal temperature norms will be exceeded


This summer could become record-breaking hot for Turkey. Significant temperature increases above the climatic norm and last year’s temperatures are forecasted for Ankara,

This summer could become record-breaking hot for Turkey. Significant temperature increases above the climatic norm and last year’s temperatures are forecasted for Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Konya, Antalya, and several other major cities. Additionally, drier weather compared to last year is expected for the entire western and central parts of the country. Considering that in 2023, some locations, such as Izmir, broke nearly century-old heat records, something similar can be expected this coming summer. July will be the hottest month. Hot dry air is expected to be brought again by the hot winds blowing from the Sahara Desert.

Yandex Weather meteorologists have prepared a special seasonal forecast.

This summer could become record-breaking hot for Turkey. Significant temperature increases above the climatic norm and last year’s temperatures are forecasted for Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Konya, Antalya, and several other major cities. Additionally, drier weather compared to last year is expected for the entire western and central parts of the country. Considering that in 2023, some locations, such as Izmir, broke nearly century-old heat records, something similar can be expected this coming summer. July will be the hottest month. Hot dry air is expected to be brought again by the hot winds blowing from the Sahara Desert.


In June, more intense warming compared to multi-year averages and last year's figures is expected in the western and central regions. This includes the Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean regions, Central Anatolia, and the Black Sea region around Samsun. The average air temperature in Ankara will be around 20.9°C, in Istanbul – 22.7°C, in Izmir – 25.9°C. The exceedance of the multi-year average temperatures in the three largest cities in Turkey will reach 1.1°C. The difference from last year's figures is much more significant: +2.3°C for the capital, +1.6°C for Istanbul, +2.1°C for Izmir. Thus, most of Turkey is expected to experience an unusually hot June with little precipitation. The lack of rain falls within the climatic norm and traditional summer droughts. Comparing the upcoming summer to 2023, there will be a significant reduction in rainfall in Izmir: from a historical record of 101 mm last year to an expected 20 mm this year. There will also be less rain compared to June 2023 in Ankara (39 mm instead of 80 mm) and throughout the country, except for Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia.

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In July, the abnormal heat will persist across most of Turkey – it will be the hottest period of 2024. The average monthly temperature in Ankara could potentially reach 24.8°C (+1.2°C from the climatic norm), in Istanbul – 25.0°C (+0.7°C), in Izmir – 28.9°C (+1.0°C). Meteorologists forecast drier conditions for the entire country than the multi-year averages suggest. However, compared to last year, July 2024 might be slightly wetter for all regions except the western part of the Black Sea region, where a reduction in rainfall is expected even compared to the abnormally dry 2023. The smallest amount of rainfall among the largest Turkish metropolises is expected in Izmir – only 2 mm of rain over 31 calendar days.

Comparing the air temperature over the last 30 years, in August, all of Turkey will once again experience the global warming trend. The most significant exceedance of multi-year norms is forecasted for Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa (0.9-1°C). Looking back at the previous year, noticeable positive anomalies are expected only for a narrow strip of the Aegean and Mediterranean coastal regions from Bodrum to Belek, including Antalya, Marmaris, Fethiye, and Kemer. For example, in Antalya, August 2024 (29.3°C) will be 0.7°C hotter than the 2023 season. For the rest of Turkey, the last summer month will, on the contrary, be cooler. In Ankara, 24.8°C is forecasted, in Istanbul – 25.3°C, in Izmir – 28.6°C. It is also expected that significantly more rain will fall on the northeastern coast of the Black Sea than a year ago. Overall, rainfall throughout Turkey will remain at last year’s level and within the climatic norm.

Important resume for companies operating in the energy and retail sectors: the summer of 2024 will indeed be unusually hot across Turkey and dry for the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Marmara regions, as well as for Central Anatolia. More information about the seasonal forecast can be obtained along with the weather API tool.

To be prepared for any changes, you can download Yandex Weather app for free. [Download](https://redirect.appmetrica.yandex.com/serve/677286903078191247)
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What will the summer of 2024 be like in Turkey?

Tornadoes are as hard to predict as they are to forget after experiencing one. These mysterious whirlwinds can look like ordinary clouds, hide behind heavy rain, and even

Tornadoes are as hard to predict as they are to forget after experiencing one. These mysterious whirlwinds can look like ordinary clouds, hide behind heavy rain, and even touch ground in a snowstorm. Keep reading to learn how tornadoes are formed and what myths get stuck in their vortex. 

Tornadoes are as hard to predict as they are to forget after experiencing one. These mysterious whirlwinds can look like ordinary clouds, hide behind heavy rain, and even touch ground in a snowstorm. Keep reading to learn how tornadoes are formed and what myths get stuck in their vortex. 
Remember: you can always check Weather for current weather forecasts. 

## What are tornadoes?

Tornadoes are rotating columns of air that form in a thundercloud cloud and spiral downwards. The diameter of the lower funnel reaches an average of 400 meters and depends on where the tornado travels: about 5–30 meters over water, or 1.5–4 km on land.
When a tornado is formed over water, meteorologists refer to it as a waterspout.
 

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![Source: nytimes.com/](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/5278294/ifikFEPCAbxPLIEXLInT/orig)

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Source: nytimes.com

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## How tornadoes are formed?
Even today, scientists are still uncertain exactly how and why tornadoes form. The general belief is that most tornadoes come from mesocyclones when warm and cold air collide. It looks like if another cloud appears under the base of the thundercloud behind the section where precipitation is visible. 

Due to the powerful updraught and downdraught in this cloud, particles start moving rapidly enough to form a column of violently rotating air. A stream of warm air descends inside the funnel, and cold air envelops it around the outside edges. 

An area of low pressure forms in the center of the vortex, causing the descending whirlwinds to start acting like a vacuum cleaner, sucking in everything in their way. For example, the large amount of moisture that rises along with updraughts of cold air form a condensation funnel, helping make the tornado visible. 


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![Source: rri.co.id/](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10879918/nwkYwcyoLgMMwiHtUXEQ/orig)

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Source: rri.co.id

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## However, sometimes tornadoes can be formed even without any temperature differences.

It's impossible to measure the speed of air in the funnel, but studies show that it's usually under 50 m/s with the potential to reach up to 100 m/s. Tornadoes move along with the thundercloud they're formed from. The longest tornado in history was the Tri-State Tornado, a vortex lasting 3.5 hours that covered 350 km from start to finish.
Where the lower funnel meets the surface of land or water, there can be a small cloud of dust, debris, or condensation rising upward. After reaching a certain height, everything picked up by the wind falls back down.
Tornadoes look a lot like a rope, whip, or long cloud. Tornadoes hidden by heavy rain or forming at night are especially dangerous and can only be detected by sound or weather radar. The color of the funnel depends on the surface: over land tornadoes get gray or white, while waterspouts are white or dark blue.
Tornadoes can form on every continent and in many countries. They're most often seen in the U.S., Argentina, and Bangladesh. In Russia, they mostly touch down in the western part of the country in the summer.

## Types of tornadoes

Here are some types of whirlwinds that can occur:
- Rope tornado: Long, thin, and often winding in appearance.
- Wedge tornado: Look like ragged clouds and are wider than they're long.
- Multi-vortex tornado: Form from two or more columns around the central vortex.


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![Source: accuweather.com/](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10879918/nqqrCkBpqUDekjSGfeLh/orig)

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Source: accuweather.com

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Based on how they're formed, tornadoes can be:

- Waterspouts: Formed over the surface of seas, oceans, and occasionally lakes.
- Fire whirls: Formed from clouds during volcanic eruptions or strong fires.
- Snow devils: Formed during strong blizzards.
- Landspouts: Formed in cumulonimbus clouds when the water temperature is much warmer than the air above the clouds.
- Funnel clouds: Made of condensed droplets of water.
- Gustnado: Not connected with clouds. Formed when cold, dry air under a cloud collides with warm, moisture-rich air near the land's surface.
- Steam devils: Formed over warm bodies of water when the air above them gets very cool.  
There are several different types of scales to measure tornadoes. The most common is the Fujita Scale, with F0 and EF0 tornadoes categorized as the weakest. Category F5 and EF5 tornadoes are the most violent and can tear houses off their foundation and even damage skyscrapers. In Europe, tornado intensity is measured on the TORRO scale from T0 to T11.

## Tornado myths and misconceptions

These destructive forces of nature have a lot of legends surrounding them:
— Many people think that green skies mean a tornado is coming. While this phenomenon may be related to severe weather, scientists have found no evidence linking the unusual color to tornadoes.
— It's a common misconception that opening a window will reduce the damage from a tornado. While atmospheric pressure does drop significantly inside a tornado, the pressure difference is unlikely to cause much harm by itself. In fact, opening windows can increase the severity of damage, as a strong tornado can destroy a home whether the windows are open or not.
— Contrary to common belief, tornadoes can occur not only in open areas, but also in cities. In 1999, this was confirmed when a strong tornado hit Salt Lake City. There's also no point in hiding under freeways, as that same year a powerful tornado in Oklahoma claimed several lives.
— In fact, even large natural objects are unable to protect people against a tornado. There are cases when tornadoes crossed large rivers and even climbed mountains.


Tornadoes and how they're formed

In spite of the long history of weather forecasting, the accuracy of most modern methods leaves a lot to be desired. That’s why we’d looked at the available solutions, no

In spite of the long history of weather forecasting, the accuracy of most modern methods leaves a lot to be desired. That’s why we’d looked at the available solutions, noted their weak spots, and built Meteum — the most powerful forecasting platform to date.

Depending on who you ask, weather forecasting has been around for hundreds or even thousands of years. Having an idea of whether it rains on a particular day is endlessly convenient, yes — but it’s also hard to overstate the importance of weather tech for many modern industries. Although it may seem that weather forecasting is solely a consumer-focused product, many businesses and government institutions depend on it, and an inaccurate forecast can easily cost millions.

In spite of the long history of weather forecasting, the accuracy of most modern methods leaves a lot to be desired. That’s why we’d looked at the available solutions, noted their weak spots, and built Meteum — the most powerful forecasting platform to date.

## Why Meteum?
 

We don’t collect someone else’s weather data only to relay it in a pretty package. Instead, we aggregate it from several providers, who themselves collect their data from a vast array of sources, such as weather balloons, aircrafts, satellites, on-ground stations, and radars. Then we let our models analyze this data to derive the ultimate forecasts, which we transmit to more than 50 million of our end-users.

Here’s how it works: Meteum parses a number of different forecasts — one conducted by our own team of meteorologists and the rest incoming from third-party providers. All of them are generated using various meteorological models, both proprietary and open-source. But no model is completely fail-safe, and the astounding volume of data we collect makes it practically impossible for humans to handle. The good news is that our own AI algorithms can find patterns by juxtaposing past forecasts with actual weather history and output the optimal combination where the forecasts all align with each other.

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Meteum. Weather forecasting technology 

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In addition to AI-generated forecasts for the week, Meteum also provides precise information about precipitation expected within two hours, split into ten-minute intervals. This info is presented to users in map form; the app sends rain alerts when appropriate. The assessments are made with the help of machine learning, satellite imagery, and radar data. Meteum considers various factors, such as the height of the Sun above the horizon, humidity, and altitude.

 

## Introducing: User Reports
 

It’s no easy feat for a weather app to correctly reflect the conditions you see from the window: weather stations are typically sparsely located and follow a strict schedule when taking measurements. Conditions can vary drastically even within the same city: the Earth’s atmosphere is prone to unexpected shifts, which are insanely difficult to predict. It doesn’t help that seeing this stark contrast between a “perfectly clear” report on one’s phone screen and the raging downpour outside raises questions about the forecast’s reliability. But there is a way to display current weather: meteorology buffs refer to this as nowcasting. Meteum uses a mix of mathematical models and recent data from weather stations — but this alone doesn’t quite hit the accuracy mark we’re striving for.

That’s where we innovate: Meteum is the world’s first weather system to base its forecasts not only on measurements made with professional equipment but also on user reports. In our weather app, users can provide instant feedback: for instance, to confirm whether it’s still raining at their location. Every day, Meteum receives up to 3 million user reports from around the globe, and we use this feedback to generate a precipitation map that shows the rain zones with near-perfect accuracy. The reports are also used in training our algorithms to make future now- and forecasts even better.

We’ve come a long way with Meteum and now have a robust system capable of delivering remarkable forecasts — some of the most accurate you’ll find on the market.

But the sky’s the limit, and Meteum continues to improve, adding new data sources and perpetually collecting user reports to train our algorithms. With Meteum, you can weatherproof your decisions with state-of-the-art forecasting solutions tailored to your industry’s or your business’s needs. 



Meteum: weather forecasting technology with proprietary AI-based data processing core


As hurricane season approaches, a specialized team of pilots and meteorologists prepare to fly directly into the heart of these powerful storms. Known as "hurricane hunte

As hurricane season approaches, a specialized team of pilots and meteorologists prepare to fly directly into the heart of these powerful storms. Known as "hurricane hunters," these brave individuals risk their lives to gather critical data that helps protect millions of people in coastal communities.

As hurricane season approaches, a specialized team of pilots and meteorologists prepare to fly directly into the heart of these powerful storms. Known as "hurricane hunters," these brave individuals risk their lives to gather critical data that helps protect millions of people in coastal communities.

Hurricane hunters are [members](https://hurricanescience.org/science/observation/aircraftrecon/hurricanehunters/) of the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters. Their mission is to penetrate tropical cyclones and [collect](https://journals.flvc.org/flgeog/article/view/84431/81541) real-time measurements of wind speed, air pressure, temperature, and humidity within the storm. The Air Force Reserve [has](https://defensescoop.com/2024/05/08/air-force-hurricane-hunters-new-tech-enhance-weather-recon-missions/) 10 full-time crews and 10 part-time crews, supported by 278 maintenance personnel and 57 additional support staff.

## A perilous journey

![Hurricane hunters fly into the eye of Hurricane Ida. Image by the National Hurricane Center](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10879918/CbeiwqvBFvkUmSBNbviH/orig)  

Flying into a hurricane is an incredibly dangerous endeavor. As the aircraft penetrates the eyewall — the ring of intense thunderstorms surrounding the eye — it encounters extreme turbulence, with wind speeds changing by over 100 mph in just a few seconds. Powerful updrafts and downdrafts can toss the plane violently, subjecting the crew to immense gravitational forces.

Despite these hazards, hurricane hunters press on, typically [flying](https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/weather/2023/08/22/meet-the-teams-that-fly-into-hurricanes-for-a-living) at altitudes between 500 and 10,000 feet (150–3000 m). Their specially equipped aircraft, such as the Lockheed WC-130J and the Lockheed WP-3D Orion, are designed to withstand the punishing conditions within a hurricane.

## Vital data for forecasting
The data collected by hurricane hunters is invaluable for meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center (NHC). By measuring the central pressure and wind speeds within the storm, forecasters can better predict a hurricane's intensity, track, and potential impacts.

This information is then fed into sophisticated [computer models](https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes/forecasting/), improving the accuracy of hurricane forecasts and enabling more effective evacuation planning and disaster response efforts. Without the daring work of hurricane hunters, our ability to predict and prepare for these destructive storms would be significantly hindered.

## A legacy of bravery
The history of hurricane hunting [dates back](https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/severe/this-day-in-weather-history-july-27-1943-first-ever-flight-into-a-hurricane) to 1943, when a U.S. Army Air Forces pilot intentionally flew into a hurricane near Houston, Texas, on a bet. Since then, both military and civilian crews have continued this perilous tradition, advancing our understanding of tropical cyclones and saving countless lives.

As technology has evolved, so too have hurricane hunters’ capabilities. Modern aircraft are [equipped](https://vlab.noaa.gov/web/nws-heritage/-/then-and-now-noaa-hurricane-hunters) with cutting-edge instruments, such as Doppler radar and dropsonde systems, which provide detailed measurements of wind patterns and atmospheric conditions. Dropsondes, for instance, are small devices released from the aircraft that measure various atmospheric parameters as they fall, providing valuable data about the vertical profile of the atmosphere.

## The technology behind the missions
![​​Gulfstream IV-SP (front) and WP-3D Orion. Image by weather.gov](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10145165/VAsIiNNpLCHtkLANwRGY/orig)  

The aircraft used by hurricane hunters are marvels of modern engineering. NOAA’s two WP-3D Orion aircraft, [affectionately known](https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2021/january/05/move-over-kermit-and-miss-piggy) as “Miss Piggy” and “Kermit,” are equipped with dual radar systems that scan the storm both vertically and horizontally, providing a real-time picture of the developing hurricane. Additionally, NOAA’s Gulfstream IV-SP jet flies at high altitudes around the storm, collecting data on the winds and weather systems in the upper atmosphere that steer hurricanes.

In recent years, advancements in drone technology have further enhanced the capabilities of hurricane hunters. Drones like the Altius 600 are [deployed](https://www.noaa.gov/stories/drones-hunt-hurricanes-noaa-puts-some-to-test) to explore the hurricane’s inner boundary, providing detailed data measurements that help researchers determine whether a storm is intensifying. Saildrones and underwater gliders are also [used](https://research.noaa.gov/2023/06/28/noaa-deploys-drones-in-the-ocean-and-atmosphere-to-advance-hurricane-forecasting/) to measure ocean temperature and salinity, factors that can affect a hurricane’s strength and track.

![Altius 600 mid-flight. Image by Amy Tolson](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10879918/EzepqYgbDEXzrJGISCWO/orig)  

## Unsung heroes
While hurricane hunters may not receive the same recognition as other emergency responders, their contributions are no less vital. By braving the fury of nature's most powerful storms, they provide the critical data that enables communities to prepare and respond effectively.

As climate change continues to intensify hurricane activity, the role of hurricane hunters becomes even more crucial. Their bravery and dedication ensure that we are better equipped to face the challenges posed by these formidable storms, safeguarding lives and property in coastal regions around the world.

## The impact of hurricane hunter data
The data collected by hurricane hunters has a profound impact on hurricane forecasting. According to a [study](https://phys.org/news/2016-05-early-hurricane-hunter-intensity.html#:~:text=Data%20collected%20via%20airplane%20when,the%20new%20technique%20into%20practice) by Penn State researchers, incorporating hurricane hunter data into prediction models can improve hurricane intensity predictions by up to 15 percent. This improvement translates to billions of dollars in savings and provides more notice to people in the path of a storm, potentially saving lives.

During the 2017 hurricane season, hurricane hunters flew [over 90 missions](https://en.aviation-report.com/usaf-hurricane-hunters-2017-season/) into Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and several others, providing crucial data that helped forecasters accurately predict the paths and intensities of these devastating storms. The information collected during these missions was instrumental in guiding evacuation efforts and disaster response, highlighting the critical role of hurricane hunters in protecting communities.

## A day in the life of a hurricane hunter
A [typical mission](https://www.livescience.com/60370-inside-irma-hurricane-hunters-photos.html) for a hurricane hunter crew can last up to 11 hours and cover nearly 3,500 miles (>5200 km), with some missions lasting a mind-bending 18 hours. The crew includes pilots, meteorologists, and technicians who work together to navigate the storm and collect data. The aircraft fly in and around the storm, deploying dropsondes and other instruments to gather atmospheric data.

The data collected during these missions is transmitted in real-time to meteorologists on the ground, who use sophisticated computer models to analyze and interpret the information. This real-time data is crucial for making timely and accurate forecasts, allowing communities to better prepare for the impact of the storm.

## The future of hurricane hunting
As technology continues to advance, the capabilities of hurricane hunters will only improve. NOAA is currently [upgrading](https://defensescoop.com/2024/05/08/air-force-hurricane-hunters-new-tech-enhance-weather-recon-missions/) its fleet of hurricane hunter aircraft with state-of-the-art instruments, which are expected to further enhance the accuracy of hurricane forecasts and warnings. These advancements will help ensure that communities are better prepared for the increasing threat of hurricanes in the future.

In conclusion, hurricane hunters are an essential asset in unlocking the secrets of hurricanes. Their ability to fly directly into these massive storms and collect vital data has significantly improved the accuracy of hurricane forecasts, allowing communities to better prepare and respond to these devastating natural disasters. The bravery and dedication of hurricane hunters ensure that we are better equipped to face the challenges posed by these formidable storms, safeguarding lives and property in coastal regions around the world.

So, the next time you hear a hurricane forecast, remember the unsung heroes who ventured into the eye of the storm, risking everything to keep us safe.


Who are the hurricane hunters? Into the eye of the storm: The daring work of hurricane hunters

When the ground starts to rumble, it’s too late to start preparing. Earthquakes can strike without warning, leaving destruction in their wake. However, with proper planni

When the ground starts to rumble, it’s too late to start preparing. Earthquakes can strike without warning, leaving destruction in their wake. However, with proper planning and preparation, we can significantly reduce the damage caused by these seismic events. Let’s explore some scientifically backed strategies to minimize earthquake damage, drawing from expert sources and government agencies.

When the ground starts to rumble, it’s too late to start preparing. Earthquakes can strike without warning, leaving destruction in their wake. However, with proper planning and preparation, we can significantly reduce the damage caused by these seismic events. Let’s explore some scientifically backed strategies to minimize earthquake damage, drawing from expert sources and government agencies.

## Building a strong foundation
The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” couldn’t be more apt when it comes to earthquake preparedness. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) [emphasizes](https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/earthquake/seismic-building-codes) the importance of structural integrity in minimizing earthquake damage. For homeowners and businesses, this means:
1. Evaluating your building’s structure, especially if it’s older than current seismic design provisions in local building codes.
2. Considering retrofits to meet or exceed current building codes.
3. Paying special attention to unreinforced masonry, which is particularly vulnerable during earthquakes.

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![An example of earthquake retrofitting: a parking structure in Berkeley, California. Image by Alex Mead](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10145165/UFmnZWLizSbuaiEcORnB/orig) 

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An example of earthquake retrofitting: a parking structure in Berkeley, California. Image by Alex Mead

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## Securing the inside
While a strong building is crucial, what’s inside matters too. Non-structural elements can pose significant risks during an earthquake. Earthquake experts [recommend](https://www.earthquakeauthority.com/blog/2020/how-to-protect-your-home-before-an-earthquake) several steps to secure your interior spaces:
* Anchor heavy furniture, appliances, and shelving to wall studs.
* Secure ceiling lights and false ceilings to joists.
* Install flexible gas and water connections on appliances.
* Apply safety film to windows and glass doors to prevent shattering.
* Brace heavy machinery, containers, and tanks that could shift or rupture.
These measures not only protect your belongings but also reduce the risk of injury from falling objects.
## Preparing for the aftermath
Earthquake damage isn’t limited to the shaking itself. Secondary effects, like fires, can be just as devastating. The California Earthquake Authority [emphasizes](https://www.earthquakeauthority.com/blog/2020/what-should-you-do-after-an-earthquake) the importance of post-earthquake preparedness:
* Regularly check fire safety equipment, including extinguishers and water tanks.
* Assemble disaster preparedness kits with essentials like dust masks, portable chargers, and battery-powered radios.
* Train staff or family members on emergency procedures, including how to shut off gas, electricity, and water.
Did you know that after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, it was the subsequent fires that [caused](https://www.1906eqconf.org/plenarySessions.htm) about 90% of the total damage? This underscores the critical importance of fire prevention and preparedness in earthquake-prone areas.

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![The aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Image by the National Archives and Records Administration](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10145165/OlsPCfKyRotKQppzPQnu/orig)

<figcaption>
The aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Image by the National Archives and Records Administration

</figcaption>
</figure>

## Community-wide efforts
Individual preparedness is crucial, but community-wide efforts can have an even broader impact. The Seismological Society of America [recommends](https://www.seismosoc.org/us-government-relations/actions-managing-earthquake-risk/) several actions for managing earthquake risk on a larger scale:
1. Developing a culture of preparedness through education and awareness programs.
2. Investing in retrofitting or replacing essential facilities like hospitals, schools, and emergency response centers.
3. Collaborating on region-wide, multi-organizational plans for earthquake response and recovery.
Japan’s nationwide earthquake early warning system, [implemented](https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/Activities/eew.html#:~:text=The%20Japan%20Meteorological%20Agency%20(JMA),such%20as%20TV%20and%20radio) in 2007, provides a few seconds to a minute of warning before strong shaking begins, allowing people to take immediate protective actions.
## The role of technology
Advancements in technology play an increasingly important role in earthquake preparedness. While we can’t predict earthquakes with precision, early warning systems can provide crucial seconds of advance notice. Many cities and states now offer free earthquake alert apps that can give residents a brief heads-up before the shaking starts.

For instance, the [ShakeAlert system](https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science/earthquake-early-warning-overview) on the U.S. West Coast can [detect](https://www.usgs.gov/news/entire-us-west-coast-now-has-access-shakealert-earthquake-early-warning) earthquakes as they begin, potentially providing valuable seconds of warning to areas farther from the epicenter. This time can be crucial for automated systems to slow trains, open firehouse doors, or initiate other protective measures.
## Innovative building technologies
Engineers and architects are continually developing new technologies to make buildings more earthquake-resistant. Some fascinating innovations include:
1. [Base isolation](https://www.taylordevices.com/base-isolation/#:~:text=A%20base%20isolation%20system%20is,an%20earthquake%20is%20reduced%20significantly.): This technique involves placing flexible pads between a building and its foundation, allowing the structure to move somewhat independently of the ground during an earthquake.
2. [Tuned mass dampers](https://engineering.purdue.edu/~ce573/Documents/Intro%20to%20Structural%20Motion%20Control_Chapter4.pdf#:~:text=A%20tuned%20mass%20damper%20(TMD),phase%20with%20the%20structural%20motion): Large weights placed at the top of tall buildings that move in the opposite direction of the building’s sway, helping to counteract the earthquake’s motion.
3. [Shape memory alloys](https://phys.org/news/2012-02-shape-memory-alloys-earthquake-resistant.html): These materials can “remember” their original shape after being deformed, potentially allowing buildings to return to their original position after an earthquake.
4. [Self-centering systems](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/8859881): These designs allow buildings to rock during an earthquake and then return to their original position, minimizing structural damage.

<figure>

![Shanghai Tower tuned mass dumper. Image by: MasaneMiyaPA](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10145165/CqofyeijfVJrZUTDdmnJ/orig)  

<figcaption>
Shanghai Tower tuned mass dumper. Image by: MasaneMiyaPA

</figcaption>
</figure>

## Seismic deconvolution and masking
[Seismic deconvolution](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-009-8105-8_4#:~:text=Deconvolution%20is%20a%20general%20term,the%20seismic%20sources%20and%20receivers) removes effects that mask primary reflected events on a seismogram, such as absorption, reverberation, and ghosting. This technique helps obtain clearer seismic data, crucial for understanding geological structures and making informed decisions about building designs and retrofits.

Additionally, explainable artificial intelligence (AI) is also [being used](https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.06682) to design masks for self-supervised seismic denoising. This approach helps suppress noise in seismic data without requiring prior knowledge of the noise itself, making it a fully automated denoising procedure. This technology can significantly improve the accuracy of seismic data interpretation, leading to better earthquake preparedness and response strategies.
## “Floating house”
One of the most intriguing innovations in earthquake-resistant housing comes from Japan. Air Danshin Systems Inc., a Japanese company, has developed a groundbreaking technology that allows houses to temporarily “float” above the ground during earthquakes. Here’s how Air Danshin’s [system](https://airdanshin.co.jp/house/) works:
* The house is built with an additional foundation, a sensor, and an air compressor.
* When the sensor detects the initial tremors of an earthquake, it sends a signal to the external air compressor.
* Within 0.5 to 1 second, the compressor activates and pumps compressed air between the earthquake-proof foundation and the base of the house.
* This action lifts the entire structure approximately 3 cm (about 1.2 inches) off the ground.
* The house remains elevated during the earthquake, effectively isolating it from ground movements.
* Once the tremors subside, the air is gradually released, and the house settles back onto its foundation.
Air Danshin [claims](https://airdanshin.co.jp/house/) that a house not in contact with the ground during an earthquake will not shake, thus preventing damage. However, this technology has limitations. The 3 cm lift height may not be sufficient for earthquakes with significant vertical movement. Additionally, the system comes with a substantial cost.

Despite these limitations, Air Danshin’s floating house technology represents an innovative approach to earthquake-resistant housing. While it may not be a complete solution to earthquake damage, it could be a valuable piece of a larger strategy for improving seismic safety.
## Economic impact and insurance
The economic toll of earthquakes can be staggering. The 1994 Northridge earthquake in California, the [second-most](https://www.californiaresidentialmitigationprogram.com/resources/blog/which-state-has-the-most-earthquakes-in-the-us#:~:text=Not%20only%20is%20Alaska%20the,fact%20of%20life%20in%20Alaska) seismically-active U.S. states, [caused](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/earthquakes/northridge) an estimated $20 billion in damage. Earthquake insurance can play a crucial role in recovery, but standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically don’t cover earthquake damage.

<figure>

![The aftermath of the Northridge Earthquake of January 17, 1994. Image by Gary B. Edstrom](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10145165/wXmpugRBGGinFKpBiBVm/orig)   

<figcaption>
The aftermath of the Northridge Earthquake of January 17, 1994. Image by Gary B. Edstrom

</figcaption>
</figure>

In California, the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) provides most residential earthquake insurance policies. [As of 2022](https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/earthquake/insurance#:~:text=Despite%20experiencing%2090%25%20of%20the,California's%20residents%20have%20earthquake%20insurance.), only about 10% of California homeowners had earthquake insurance, highlighting a significant gap in financial preparedness.

While we can’t prevent earthquakes, we can certainly mitigate their impact. By focusing on structural integrity, securing non-structural elements, preparing for aftermath scenarios, fostering community preparedness, and leveraging technology, we can significantly reduce the damage and disruption caused by seismic events.

Remember, earthquake preparedness is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort. Regular assessments, updates to your preparedness plans, and staying informed about the latest safety recommendations are all part of a comprehensive approach to minimizing earthquake damage.

As we continue to improve our understanding of seismic risks and develop new mitigation techniques, we move closer to a future where earthquakes, while still formidable natural events, no longer pose the catastrophic threat they once did.

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