Climate Science for Resilience: Tropical Weather Systems Research

The University of Leeds is internationally recognised for its pioneering research into tropical weather systems and climate resilience. This work has earned the Queen’s Anniversary Prize—the UK’s highest accolade for universities—highlighting its life-saving impact across Africa and the Global South.

Global weather research recognised by Queen's award

Historical context

Leeds has led research into tropical meteorology for over two decades, building expertise in atmospheric dynamics, forecasting, and climate modelling. The work intensified in response to increasing climate risks in Africa, where extreme weather events threaten lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

Collaborations with African institutions have been central to this journey. Leeds has developed long-standing partnerships with universities such as KNUST in Ghana and the University of Nairobi, and and led the African SWIFT research programme—an international initiative focused on improving weather forecasting and building capacity across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Nowcasting Saving Lives: The FASTA App

Leeds-led research through the African SWIFT programme has produced the FASTA (FOrecasting African STorms) app, a powerful nowcasting tool that delivers near real-time storm warnings across Africa. Using satellite data and rapid processing, FASTA helps communities prepare for severe weather up to six hours in advance.

Already in use by national meteorological agencies like GMet in Ghana and the Kenya Meteorological Department, FASTA is saving lives—from fishermen on Lake Victoria to farmers and urban planners. It’s fast, affordable, and locally adaptable—making cutting-edge forecasting accessible where it’s needed most.

Learn more about FASTA

Capacity building and collaboration

Leeds researchers have trained hundreds of African scientists, co-developed curricula, and supported national weather services. The work includes:

Mentoring early-career researchers
Training professionals in forecasting and climate services
Building institutional capacity for long-term resilience

For us, success will be that we’re no longer needed. We’re already seeing nowcasting being adopted by our partners in Africa, changing it and modifying it so it works for their needs. It’s all about democratizing weather forecasting – and that’s what we’re enabling here at Leeds.

- Professor Doug Parker

Global recognition

The Queen’s Anniversary Prize, awarded in 2022, celebrates Leeds’ excellence in climate science and its commitment to public benefit. It marks the University’s third win and underscores its leadership in tackling global challenges through research and collaboration.

Our work has never been more relevant, nor more in demand.

— Professor Doug Parker, Meteorologist and Research Lead

Researchers in focus

Doug Parker John Marsham Michael Baidu

Find out more about our current work