Weather conditions can change rapidly. To help communities, local government units, disaster risk reduction practitioners, researchers, and the public better monitor current and forecasted weather conditions, the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI) – NOAH WebGIS Component has expanded the Weather Updates section of NOAH Studio with new and enhanced weather visualization features.
The latest updates bring together real-time lightning activity, customizable wind visualization, wind forecasts, and temperature monitoring in one platform providing users with more information to understand evolving weather conditions across the Philippines.
Real-Time Lightning
The new Real-Time Lightning layer allows users to track lightning activity as it happens across the Philippines.
The map displays the latest lightning activity from the past 10 minutes, providing users with timely information about areas experiencing electrical activity associated with thunderstorms.
Lightning strikes are categorized into two types:
- Cloud-to-Cloud – represented by red lightning symbols, indicating electrical discharges occurring between clouds. These may signal developing thunderstorms.
- Cloud-to-Ground – represented by yellow lightning symbols, indicating lightning strikes from clouds toward the ground and areas where extra caution may be necessary.
By focusing on the most recent lightning activity, users can quickly identify areas experiencing active thunderstorms.
Customizable Wind Map
NOAH Studio now provides an interactive Wind layer that visualizes wind direction and movement across the map using animated particles.
Users can customize the visualization through adjustable settings, including:
Particle Count – Adjusts the number of animated particles displayed on the map.
Speed – Controls the animation speed of the wind particles, allowing users to slow down or speed up the visualization.
Wind Color – Users can select their preferred color for the wind particles to improve visualization and map interpretation.
These controls make it easier for users to visualize wind movement and understand prevailing wind patterns over a selected area.
Up to 5 Days of Wind Forecast
For users who need to look beyond current conditions, the NOAH App also provides an advanced wind forecast of up to five days in advance.
This extended forecast provides additional context for planning and anticipating changing wind conditions in the days ahead.
Temperature Monitoring
The Weather Updates section also includes enhanced Temperature Monitoring, allowing users to examine important temperature-related information through the map.
Users can monitor:
- Heat Index – helps visualize the level of heat experienced by people based on temperature and other atmospheric conditions.
- Maximum Temperature – shows areas experiencing higher maximum temperatures across the country.
Temperature information can be viewed using the latest available data or through forecasts extending up to four days in advance, helping users monitor both current and expected temperature conditions.
This feature can be particularly useful during periods of elevated heat, when monitoring temperature and heat index conditions can help support public awareness and preparedness.
Weather Information for Better Preparedness
With these new features, NOAH Studio’s Weather Updates provides users with a broader view of current and forecasted weather conditions from lightning activity and wind movement to heat index and maximum temperature.
The combination of real-time observations, interactive visualizations, and forecasts gives users additional information that can help them better understand changing weather conditions and make more informed decisions.
Whether checking for active thunderstorms, observing wind patterns, monitoring heat conditions, or looking ahead at forecasted weather, users can now explore more weather layers directly through NOAH Studio.
Explore the New Features
The new Weather Updates features are available through NOAH Studio, accessible on the NOAH platform and mobile application.
Visit the NOAH Website at https://noah.up.edu.ph/ or download the NOAH Mobile App and discover the latest Weather Updates features.
Explore more weather layers and stay informed with the latest updates on the NOAH Studio Weather Updates feature.