Meteorology
Meteorology is the scientific study of the atmosphere and its phenomena, including both weather and climate. Weather describes the current state of the atmosphere at a given place and time while climate refers to the long-term pattern of weather in a particular geographic area. Forensic meteorology combines scientific data analysis and expert consulting services to provide the most accurate representation of a meteorological event.
Forensic meteorologists collect and examine data to determine the magnitude, duration, and/or directionality of a weather event and seek to identify and quantify the adverse impacts produced by the event.
Although weather conditions can be the single factor relating to a scientific investigation, more commonly, weather conditions are contributing factors relating to a scientific investigation conducted by our experts practicing throughout all of our practice areas. With the help of WeatherPath™, Rimkus’ in-house weather data application, we can develop an analysis for any catastrophic weather event and provide a visual representation of the event in relation to any investigation.
Our Meteorology Services
Severe weather events come in all shapes and sizes and produce a variety of adverse impacts on infrastructure and personal safety. The most common damaging severe weather events include:
- Hail
- High Wind (downburst, tornado, derecho)
- Rain and flood
- Lightning
- Snow and Ice
From large-scale to small-scale severe weather events, Rimkus meteorology experts can apply their technical knowledge and present the data and data analysis in a logical and matter-specific format.
Catastrophic (CAT) weather events typically involve either a localized extreme severe weather event, for example, a tornado outbreak, flash flood, or hail event, or large-scale geographic events such as hurricanes, winter storms, and other damaging wind events. Rimkus meteorology experts can develop an analysis for any weather-related CAT event and with the help of WeatherPath™, our in-house weather data application, provide a visual representation of the event in relation to any investigation.
Understanding the weather conditions, characterized by recorded weather observations of temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, precipitation, and sky cover, can be critical to meteorology investigations. Weather conditions, and more importantly changes in weather conditions, play an integral role in formulating conclusions relating to a loss or incident.
The Rimkus Visual Media and Technology team of experts utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) software to bring meteorological events to life. The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” without a doubt applies to meteorology. Whether representing the regional impacts of a hurricane (wind, rain, and storm tide) or the localized effects of a rainfall and flood event, the meteorology experts at Rimkus are well equipped to provide both the technical interpretation and the visual representations required for any meteorological event.
Whether managing a major outdoor event, a large construction project, or a manufacturing facility, formulating, maintaining, and updating safety procedures regarding severe weather can be a daunting task.
The meteorology experts at Rimkus can review safety procedures and provide consulting services to address severe weather safety concerns in a variety of industries.