Forecasters, specialists and AM technicians support the Internazionali BNL with bulletins and real-time weather updates
From 6 to 19 May, on the occasion of the Italian Open at the Foro Italico in Rome, the Italian Air Force will ensure the weather forecast in real-time for the duration of the Tennis Tournament.
For the occasion, a was placed in the Foro Italico Meteorological Radar, a Mobile Weather Unit – MWU and three Tactical Weather Stations – TACMET, with the technical support of Re.S.I.A. – Automated Information Systems Department in Rome-Acquasanta and of the 4th Brigade of Telecommunications and Systems for Air Defence and Flight Assistance of Borgo Piave (LT). These infrastructures will assist a team of meteorologists and weather observers of the National Centre of Aeronautics Meteorology and Climatology, of’General Office of Military Aviation and Meteorology and other meteorological departments located throughout the country, to ensure the Tournament Directorate receives the necessary input for the organisation of the various racing sessions, the start of matches or their resumption following any interruptions due to adverse weather conditions.
The Italian Air Force Meteorological Service is often involved in supporting various sporting activities that take place nationally, but this is the first time that it has happened for the BNL Italian Open.
Thanks to an agreement with Sport and Health – State-owned company responsible for the development of sport in Italy – the Air Force, through the study and the measurement of atmospheric values provided by specific sensors installed, positioned and configured at various points within the Foro Italico, will therefore supply the necessary data to issue, multiple times a day depending on requirements, a meteorological bulletin available not only to professionals but also to the players themselves, who will be able to access more specific information such as intensity e wind direction, damp e Press.
The Armed Forces Meteorological Service's team of specialists has developed, specifically for this occasion, an experimental forecasting tool with a spatial resolution of 500m to support the tournament management. Furthermore, forecasters from the Air Force will be present at Foro Italico to facilitate management decisions in critical weather situations. Concurrently, information platforms will be made available to the public and all users. Tournament – the website, the app and the information panels at the Foro Italico – which integrate meteorological information produced by AM personnel, so as to be able to enjoy the beauty of the event and be constantly informed about the weather conditions.
