Lightning forecast?

September is the end of the thunderstorm season in Vietnam and is also the time when lightning forecasting can be strong. Can lightning be forecasted to prevent accidents?

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh (photo: TTO)

Dr. NGUYEN XUAN ANH - head of the atmospheric physics department, Institute of Geophysics (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) - said:

- Beginning in 2002, the Institute of Geophysics was assigned the task of implementing a state-level independent science and technology project in the 2002-2005 period ' Studying thunderstorms and proposing prevention measures in Vietnam'. We conducted a lightning forecast test. Specifically, we are located in Phu Thuy (Gia Lam, Hanoi), the device has the ability to predict lightning will occur from 30 minutes to several hours in areas with a radius of 10 - 50km.

The device includes an antenna system and a signal processing unit. The antenna is responsible for receiving signals, the processing unit will analyze and assess the lightning environment. When the processing unit confirms the lightning will occur, this device will send a notification signal (siren or alarm light) to let the operator know. This device proved to be effective during the test period.

* Sir, can people install these devices for lightning protection?

- We expect that this forecasting method will be replicated in other parts of the country in the coming time, as this is an effective method to contribute to lightning warning for an area and can be widely applied to areas. areas with outdoor activities such as fields, beaches, golf courses . In addition, the device can also be used for industrial parks, airports, services .

Please add that this device helps people know early thunderstorms to go home or find safe shelters (houses or offices with lightning protection systems). For industrial zones, it is possible to turn off the grid or suspend the operation of expensive equipment (if conditions permit).

* What is the risk of lightning and how much damage caused by lightning in Vietnam each year?

- Vietnam has high density of thunderstorms because VN is located in the center of the world. Therefore, any area in Vietnam has a high density of thunderstorms, from a few tens of days to 140 days of thunderstorm each year depending on the region. Areas with high thunderstorms in Vietnam include the Mekong Delta, Hoa Binh and Hai Duong .

Thunderstorm season in Vietnam usually lasts from April to September. Currently we are near the end of the season. In the late and early stages, prolonged thunderstorms often occur due to the interaction between hot and cold air masses.

We do not have complete statistics, but generally a few dozen people die each year from lightning.

K.HUNG performed