Forecasting Flu Outbreaks with Weather Technology Flu season
often coincides with winter months as it has been found that the
influenza virus lasts longer in cold, dry air. Knowing this,
researchers have developed a framework for initializing real-
time forecasts of seasonal influenza outbreaks using a technique
used for weather prediction. The availability of real-time, web-
based estimates of local influenza infection rates can make
quantitative forecasting possible. Scientists at Columbia
University and the National Center for Atmospheric Research have
announced a new system that adapts techniques used in modern
weather prediction to generate local forecasts of seasonal
influenza outbreaks. By predicting the timing and severity of
the outbreaks, the system can eventually help health officials
and the general public better prepare for them. Each year, flu
season peaks at various times from region to region. Pinpointing
the outbreaks with the new forecast system can provide "a window
into what can happen week