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Jet stream diverters to control rain

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[Published 07:20 01/04/2023]

Prototype fan. Posted by Brian Gaze

A huge breakthrough has been been made which will lead to amounts of rainfall in any location being regulated to within a few mms over the year. The amazing development relies on controlling the position of the jet stream, which is a high-altitude and fast-moving air current that steers rain bearing weather fronts.


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Issued 28th March 2023

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Jet stream tamed and rainfall controlled 

A huge breakthrough has been been made which will lead to amounts of rainfall in any location being regulated to within a few mms over the year. The amazing development relies on controlling the position of the jet stream, which is a high-altitude and fast-moving air current that steers rain bearing weather fronts. The system uses huge solar powered fans which are like massively bigger versions of the ones used to cool PCs.

Jet stream April 1st
Trouble no more: the jet stream is finally tamed

The fans are carried up to the jet stream level, approximately 30,000 feet, by helium filled balloons. Once there they are used to blow the jet stream in a different direction. If more rain is needed in a specific location the jet stream is steered towards it, if less rain is needed it is sent away.

Professor Pluvia Nix who has led the research says the revolutionary technology is still in testing but it is expected to be deployed across the North Atlantic region by April 1st, 2024.  He explained that the fans will be controlled by AI similar to that found in ChatGPT and it will learn with time to improve accuracy. In its early days there is a chance that some areas could receive an unexpected drenching, but a washed out barbecue would be a "small price to pay" for finally being able to make it rain or stop raining. Check back later for a full report.

Weather forecast discussion

Issued 1st April 2023

Saturday starts with a band of rain stretching from Northern Ireland, down through Wales and into much of southern England. Areas to its southwest and northeast are drier.

Through the day it remains wet in Northern Ireland, but in Wales and southern England it turns drier and brighter. However, another area of showery rain pushes into central and eastern counties this afternoon. Quite windy.

 

Feeling rather cold. Temperatures range from 7C (45F) in the east to 13C (55F) in the south west. See the rain radar for the latest view.

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UKV 1
UK Met Office UKV, rain and snow, 15:00 Saturday 1st April

Tonight the rain fades away and all areas eventually become dry. Rather chilly with a touch of frost locally in the north.

Tomorrow there could be a few showers in the west, but in the vast majority of the UK it will be dry. Sunny spells develop, with the best of them probably in central and eastern counties. Temperatures on the low side. 

UKV 2
UK Met Office UKV, rain and snow, 15:00 Sunday, 2nd April

Rain mostly in the north west

Monday starts dry. During the afternoon outbreaks of rain may push into Northern Ireland and cloud is likely to build in northern and western Britain. Areas to the south and east have sunny spells. Temperatures perhaps a degree or two higher than in recent days.

Through Tuesday outbreaks of rain affect Northern Ireland and north western Britain. Other areas are expected to be mainly dry, although thicker cloud perhaps brings some light rain or drizzle. Rather chilly.

Wednesday is currently looking mixed. Patchy outbreaks of rain push eastwards and there could be a few heavy bursts mixed in. Temperatures close to the average.

GFS chart 1
GFS, surface pressure and precipitation, 15:00 Wednesday, 5th April

Today's featured photo

Heavy showers training in on the WNW winds. Posted by toppiker60 weather camera and image uploader to send your pics.

PS: A massive thanks to all of you who post such fantastic pics. They're much appreciated, so please keep them coming!



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