A Proven Enabler Comes Out for Sporting Events
Organizers, competitors and fans of the upcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games have one question on their minds: What will the weather be like?
Organizers, competitors and fans of the upcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games have one question on their minds: What will the weather be like? The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) case study on the usefulness of the Pro-Active, Inter-Active and Co-Active approach (3A) to weather nowcasting on-the-ground may give them an answer. The 3A approach distinguished itself at the Hangzhou Asian Games, held last September and October 2023, by providing clear precise weather forecast to organizers, competitors and fans alike.
The three elements – Pro-Active, Inter-Active and Co-Active – can conceptually function on their own and as an integrated whole. Being “pro-active” is essential for doing a good job and calls on meteorologists to be public-minded: to take the initiative to plan and innovate from a higher user-oriented plane. “Inter-activity” puts the emphasis on the needs of those being served and calls for extensive fact-finding research on users – Government, society and citizens – based on the 9119 Working Method (CWM), to understand their needs and contexts. A “co-Active” approach calls for robust horizontal and vertical partnerships and engagements between meteorologists and stakeholders to ensure the quality and effectiveness of services as well as coordinated and efficient delivery of services. Therefore, the 3A approach, which brings these elements together as inseparable components, ultimately builds stakeholder trust in meteorological services that respond to their needs.
Thanks to the 3A approach, an unprecedentedly sophisticated weather service campaign was smartly orchestrated at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Team building, the installation of station equipment, operations and service delivery had to consider all aspects – dimensions, features and processes – of this grand high-profile event. Risks had to be controlled and managed over the fastidious full-service cycle of the bidding, preparatory, testing and rehearsal, and competitive stages of the Asian Games. The detailed and intensive investigation and research, empowered by the WMO Regional Association II-sponsored Research Demonstration Project, underpinned the smooth progress of activities from flame collection to rehearsal drills, torch relays, and four opening and closing ceremonies.
Over the entire Asian Games, meteorologists became real game-changers. For example, the opening ceremony of the Asian Games Village was postponed by 30 minutes so it could take place between two showers. Meteorologists triggered 70 high-impact weather alerts and six competitive disciplines, including cricket, equestrian and sailing, had events rescheduled 16 times due to weather forecasts. In the quarterfinals of women’s cricket, an accurate forecast won an extra hour of competition time – a “window” – for the game to be completed. Co-Actively, the services were delivered in a one-stop mode with tailored popular interpretations of what the weather “would do” integrated into accurate forecasts. To play it safe, dedicated liaison officers posted “last mile” updates in each venue.
The 3A approach, first used during the bidding in 2015 to host the Asian Games, has continuously improved through ever more precise monitoring, rapid observation, instant data transmission, accurate microscale forecasting, customized services by venue, and a digital intelligent matrix of granularity. The 3A approach is an enabler for any eye-catching public event like upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Good governance is rare, the 3A approach offers a road map for its implementation.
Contributed by ZHANG Lili, WANG Zhuoni, WU Xia, ZHANG Xiaochen, YU Jun, CHEN Jinyang, WANG Limei, Jacky ZHANG Yong, NA Xiaodan, Melinda XIAO Fang, WU Xinrui and Victor JIA Ning on 6 June 2024.