Tag Archives: Development

UK

Sustainable development report shows devastating impact of COVID, ahead of ‘critical’ new phase

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The world was not on track to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before COVID-19 struck, and now the challenge has been magnified many times over, according to a new flagship UN report that indicates countries must take ‘critical’ steps on the road out of the pandemic, during the next 18 months.

The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2021, launched on Tuesday at UN Headquarters in New York, shows the toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on the 2030 Agenda, as the landmark annual High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) officially got underway. Read our curtain-raiser story here.

Gains rolled back

In addition to the almost four million deaths due to the coronavirus, between 119-124 million people were pushed back into poverty and chronic hunger, and the equivalent of 255 million full-time jobs were lost, the report indicates.

“The pandemic has halted, or reversed, years, or even decades of development progress. Global extreme poverty rose for the first time since 1998”, said UN Under-Secretary-General Liu Zhenmin, during the launch.

Moreover, disruptions to essential health services have threatened years of progress in improving maternal and child health, increasing immunization coverage, and reducing communicable and non-communicable diseases. Around 90% of countries are still reporting one or more significant disruptions to essential health services.

IFAD/Joanne Levitan

Small-scale farmers in Tanzania are receiving support to improve food security in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acute inequalities

The report also indicates that the pandemic has exposed and intensified inequalities within and between countries.

As of 17 June, around 68 vaccine shots were administered for every 100 people in Europe and Northern America – compared with fewer than two, in sub-Saharan Africa.

Millions of children risk never returning to school; while rising numbers have been forced into child marriage and child labour. With trillions of tourist dollars lost during the pandemic shutdowns, the collapse of international tourism has disproportionally impacted struggling Small Island Developing States.

“The poorest and most vulnerable continue to be at greater risk of becoming infected by the virus and have borne the brunt of the economic fallout”, highlighted Mr. Zhenmin.

While an economic recovery is under way, led by China and the United States, in many other countries, economic growth is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels before 2022 or 2023.

African elephants are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as the animals are poached for their ivory tusks.UNEP GRID Arendal/Peter Prokosch

African elephants are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as the animals are poached for their ivory tusks.

Climate and biodiversity challenges

The report also confirms what UN agencies such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have been sounding the alarm over: the economic slowdown in 2020 did little to slow the climate crisis, which continues largely unabated.

Concentrations of major greenhouse gases continued to increase, while the global average temperature was about 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels, dangerously close to the 1.5°C threshold, established in the Paris Agreement.

The world fell short as well on 2020 targets to halt biodiversity loss and a reversal of the 10 million hectares of forest which was lost each year, between 2015-2020.

Equality and finance
The COVID-19 pandemic has also adversely affected progress towards gender equality. Violence against women and girls has intensified, child marriage is expected to increase, and women have suffered a disproportionate share of job losses and increased care responsibilities at home.

Meanwhile, global flows of foreign direct investment fell by 40% in 2020 compared to 2019. The document shows the pandemic has brought immense financial challenges, especially for developing countries – with a significant rise in debt distress.

Brighter future still possible

“This report paints a worrying picture regarding the state of the SDGs. Yet, it also highlights stories of resilience, adaptability and innovation during the crisis, which indicate a brighter future is possible”, underscored Mr. Zhenmin.

He added that there are signs that countries are taking steps under their recovery plans, that could improve SDG action, and that the next 18 months are critical.

According to the report, to get the SDGs back on track, governments, cities, businesses and industries have to use the recovery to adopt low-carbon, resilient and inclusive development pathways that will reduce carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, create better jobs, advance gender equality and tackle growing inequities

“We are at a critical juncture in human history. The decisions and actions we take today will have momentous consequences for future generations. Lessons learned from the pandemic will help us rise to current and future challenges”, Mr. Zhenmin urged.

The Under-Secretary General explained that the upcoming months will determine whether the COVID-19 crisis serves as a ‘much-needed wake-up call’.

“The global community, first and foremost, needs to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. This is a critical step that can truly spur a decade of action”.

High Level Political Forum

The 2030 Agenda, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

At its heart are the 17 Goals, to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

The launch of the 2021 SDG report coincides with the start of the High-Level Forum on Sustainable Development on Tuesday. The event is the core UN platform for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda.

The meeting will continue through July 15th, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This includes the three-day ministerial meeting that started today.

The ministers will discuss ways to ensure a sustainable and resilient recovery from COVID-19 that puts the world on track to realize the 2030 Agenda. 43 countries will also present their voluntary national reviews of their implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

The meeting will put the spotlight on nine Global Goals this year: ending poverty, zero hunger, improving health, decent work, reducing inequalities, responsible consumption and production; climate action, sustaining peace, and building partnerships.

Author: Aalto University
Read more here >>> The European Times News

Entertainment

Switch Pro release date news: Nintendo confirms that new hardware IS in development

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The launch of a new and improved Nintendo Switch Pro is the rumour that won’t go away.

The Nintendo Switch Pro is tipped to have a late 2021 release date, which means an announcement should be coming soon.

Indeed, Nintendo has dropped the biggest hint yet that the improved console is in the works, after confirming that new hardware is in development.

“The Company will continue to focus on creating unique games, and in order to achieve this, we will continue to propose games using a dedicated game console with integrated hardware and software,” Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa told investors (via VGC).

Furukawa continued by saying that new hardware is constantly in development, which presumably includes the Switch Pro.

“We are constantly developing hardware, software, and dedicated peripherals, but we will refrain from commenting on specific products under development.”

Nintendo remains tight-lipped on the specifics, until its ready to make an official announcement.

If the console is pencilled in for a late 2021 release, then fans can expect a reveal this summer, most likely during a Nintendo Direct conference.

If the rumours are to be believed, the Nintendo Switch Pro will support 4K visuals when docked.

The handheld, meanwhile, will feature a bigger 7-inch OLED display for improved visuals.

According to a recent report on Spanish website Vandal, the Nintendo Switch Pro will make other useful improvements.

The handheld will reportedly feature a flap on the back on the device, similar to the Microsoft Surface Pro.

Replacing the flimsy kickstand on the current Nintendo Switch, this should make the device much more stable when resting on a flat surface.

The dock will also be larger, and will feature an ethernet port for speedier internet connection, as well as a USB 3.0 port.

Finally, while the console will be a similar size to the current model, the display will reportedly be a bit bigger.

The suggestion is that Nintendo will remove (or at least reduce the size of) the bezels surrounding the screen.

Author: Liam Martin
This post originally appeared on Daily Express

Gaming

Square Enix Confirms The Next Mana Game For Console Is Now In Development

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Trials Of Mana

Earlier today Square Enix held a 30th anniversary live stream for the Mana series. During the broadcast, fans found out a new game is in the works.

As much as the producer Masaru Oyamada wanted to share a “cool” video announcement, nothing is ready to be shown just yet. The most he was willing to reveal is that this game is being prepared for a “console” release and the series’ creator (who also happens to be the current CEO of Grezzo) has already seen it.

Fans were also reminded that the 30th anniversary of the Mana series has only just kicked off and reassured a more official announcement was on the way. Keep in mind though, it might be a while before this new entry is actually released. Here’s the full translation, courtesy of RPG Site:

It would have been good if we could make a cool video announcement with a bang, but the 30th anniversary has just begun. To be honest, we are developing it. We are working on it, but please wait a little longer for the announcement. In fact, Mr. Ishii [Mana series creator, current CEO of Grezzo] took a look at it the other day. That’s how far we’ve come, so I hope you’ll look forward to it. We still have a long way to go in development…. We’re preparing to release it on consoles, and we’d be glad if you can wait for it.

The latest Mana release – Legend of Mana – arrived on consoles earlier this week. In our own Switch review, we said it was the best way to play the 21-year-old title. What would you like to see next from the Mana series? Have you tried out Legend of Mana on the Switch? Comment below.

Author:
This post originally appeared on Nintendo Life | Latest News

US

Tropical development odds now up to 80% for low in Gulf

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June 15

11:00 p.m. update
The National Hurricane Center now gives the tropical low in the Gulf a 50% chance of developing over the next 2 days and an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm over the next 5 days.

June 15

12:30 p.m. update
The National Hurricane Center now gives the tropical low in the Gulf an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm.

June 15

7 a.m. update
The National Hurricane Center gives the tropical low in the Gulf a high (70%) chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm.

The potential formation zone extends northward toward the Texas and Louisiana coastlines. Heavy rains could reach the U.S. Gulf Coast as early as Friday.

Impacts here are still “to be determined” based on the exact track the low takes. Once a well-defined low level circulation spins up, we should have a better idea of where it will track and what impacts we’ll get here.

June 14

9:45 p.m. update
Tropical Storm Bill has formed off the East Coast. It is no threat to land.

June 14

2 p.m. update
The National Hurricane Center now gives the tropical low in the Gulf a high (70%) chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm.

The potential formation zone has been extended northward toward the Texas and Louisiana coastlines. Heavy rains could reach the U.S. Gulf Coast as early as Friday.

Impacts here are still “to be determined” based on the exact track the low takes. Once a well-defined low level circulation spins up, we should have a better idea of where it will track and what impacts we’ll get here.

June 14

11 a.m. update
Tropical Depression Two forms off the coast of North Carolina. Additional strengthening is expected and this could become Tropical Storm Bill later tonight. This system should begin to weaken by Tuesday night and is expected to dissipate on Wednesday.

8 a.m. update
We continue to monitor a tropical low in the southwest Gulf of Mexico. It is expected to meander around the Bay of Campeche for the first half of the week, then lift northward toward the U.S. Gulf Coast during the second half of the week. The National Hurricane Center keeps the 5-day developments odds at 60% through Saturday evening.

At this time it is still too soon to determine exactly how we will be impacted by it, but if we get any impacts, they will most likely be felt in the Friday to Sunday window of Father’s Day weekend. A tropical depression or storm could form, but a hurricane looks unlikely given the high wind shear expected over the northwestern Gulf.

If it tracks toward Louisiana or farther east, we would be left with hot, dry weather. If it tracks toward the Upper Texas Coast or farther west, we could see some significant rains from it. Once we see where the low pressure consolidates and becomes more organized, then we will get a better feel for where it will track and what our impacts will be.

For now we advise you to stay in awareness mode as the week progresses.

There are two other areas the National Hurricane Center has tagged for tropical development. An area of low pressure off the East Coast has a 70% chance for tropical development during the next 48 hours. This system will be competing to grab the next name on the Atlantic hurricane list: Bill.

A strong tropical wave off the coast of Africa has a 20% chance of tropical development during the next 5 days.

June 13

7 p.m. update
We continue to monitor a tropical low in the southwest Gulf of Mexico. It is expected to meander around the Bay of Campeche for the first half of the week, then lift northward toward the U.S. Gulf Coast during the second half of the week. The National Hurricane Center keeps the 5-day developments odds at 50% through Friday evening.

At this time it is still too soon to determine exactly how we will be impacted by it, but if we get any impacts, they will most likely be felt in the Friday to Sunday window of Father’s Day weekend. A tropical depression or storm could form, but a hurricane looks unlikely given the high wind shear expected over the northwestern Gulf. The next name on the list is Bill.

If it tracks toward Louisiana or farther east, we would be left with hot, dry weather. If it tracks toward the Upper Texas Coast or farther west, we could see some significant rains from it. Once we see where the low pressure consolidates and becomes more organized, then we will get a better feel for where it will track and what our impacts will be.

For now we advise you to stay in awareness mode as the week progresses.

June 13

7 a.m. update
There’s no major change in the modeling or expectations for our Gulf system, but we’re now up to a 50% chance of development over the next 5 days, and there’s high uncertainty as far as any potential impacts to Southeast Texas.

It’s not something you should be overly concerned with at the moment, but it remains an area we’ll continue to monitor.

June 12

2 p.m. update
We are continuing to monitor an area of showers and storms in the Bay of Campeche. The National Hurricane Center gives this disturbance a 10% chance of development over the next 48 hours and a 40% chance over the next 5 days. Slow development will be a possibility over the next few days but it is still way too early to know what impacts, if any, we could see along the Gulf Coast from this disturbance.

7 a.m. update
The area we are monitoring in the Gulf now has a 40% chance of development over the next 5 days. It’s too early for specifics on exact impacts, but the moisture will gradually lift north. For now it’s just something we will be keeping an eye on.

READ MORE: Here’s today’s hour-by-hour forecast and an outlook for the next ten days

June 11

9 a.m. update
The National Hurricane Center has tagged an area of disturbed weather over the Bay of Campeche with a 20% chance for tropical development over the next 5 days.

Slow development will be possible as this system lifts to the north to northwest. It is still too early to determine what impacts our region could see. Residents along the upper Texas coast should keep an eye on the tropics.

June 10

9 a.m. update
No imminent threat for tropical development over the next 5 days.

However, the Climate Prediction Center says conditions may become more favorable for tropical development in the western Gulf of Mexico late next week. Resident along the upper Texas coast should keep an eye on the tropics.

June 9

8 a.m. update
Formation chances with the disturbance in the southern Caribbean continues to be at a 10% chance over the next five days. However, residents along the upper Texas coast should keep up with the tropics. The Climate Prediction Center expects conditions to become more favorable for tropical development in the western Gulf of Mexico late next week.

June 8

6 p.m. update
Formation chances with the disturbance in the southern Caribbean continues to be at a 20% chance over the next five days. However, residents along the upper Texas coast should keep up with the tropics. The Climate Prediction Center says conditions may become more favorable for tropical development in the western Gulf of Mexico late next week.

2 p.m. update
Formation chance with the disturbance in the southern Caribbean has dropped to a 20% chance over the next five days.

10 a.m. update
Some gradual development will be possible with a tropical disturbance in the southern Caribbean over the next few days. Formation chance is just at 30% over the next 5 days, we’ll continue to monitor it.

Regardless of development, this system will produce heavy rainfall across northern Colombia and portions of Central America later this week and into the weekend.

June 7

Our tropical disturbance in the southern Caribbean remains at just a 20% chance of development over the next 5 days, we’ll continue to monitor it.

June 6

There’s a 20% (low) chance of tropical development over the next 5 days in an area just east of Central America in the southern Caribbean Sea. An area of low pressure could develop by the end of the week and may try to gradually strengthen as it moves northwest. We’ll continue to monitor this area.

June 5

No tropical development is expected in the tropical Atlantic in the next 5 days.

However, NOAA is giving us an early heads up with “high confidence” that one or more tropical systems may spin up in the western Caribbean Sea between June 9th and June 15th.

Why?
Because a large area of low pressure known as the “Central American Gyre” is expected to spin up, and these often will produce one or more smaller low pressure systems that can break off and develop into tropical depressions and storms. There’s no way to know exact details at this time and there’s certainly nothing to worry about right now, but we do want you to at least be casually aware of the possibility just in case.

June 4

No tropical development is expected in the tropical Atlantic in the next 5 days.

In the Eastern Pacific, Blanca has weakened to a post-tropical cyclone and is expected to weaken even further as it heads westward into a drier environment with increasing wind shear and cooler waters.

Just east of Blanca, an area of disturbed area is being monitored for potential tropical development. The formation chance is at 60% during the next 5 days. A tropical depression could form late this weekend or early next week while it moves slowly to the west-northwest well off the coast of Mexico.

June 3

No tropical development is expected in the next 5 days.

In the Eastern Pacific, Blanca is now a tropical depression and is expected to weaken even further as it heads westward into a drier environment with increasing wind shear and cooler waters.

June 2

No tropical development is expected in the next 5 days.

In the Eastern Pacific, Tropical Storm Blanca continues to move west away from Mexico. It should remain as a tropical storm through midweek but should weaken sometime on Thursday down to a tropical depression.

June 1

Today is the official start of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season. No tropical development is expected in the next 5 days.

In the Eastern Pacific, Tropical Storm Blanca continues to move west away from Mexico. It should remain as a tropical storm through midweek but should weaken sometime on Thursday down to a tropical depression.

May 31

No tropical development is expected as the Atlantic hurricane season kicks off tomorrow.

However, in the Eastern Pacific Tropical Depression Two-E is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours as it drifts south of Mexico. This system is expected to remain below hurricane strength and eventually fall apart as it moves over cooler water.

A tropical wave is just west of Two-E and has a slim chance for tropical development during the next five days.

May 26

There are no areas of concern for development for the next 5 days in the Atlantic, Gulf or Caribbean.

May 24

Ana has dissipated and no tropical development is expected during the next five days.

May 23

11 p.m. update
Ana is now a post-tropical cyclone and should dissipate Monday as it moves northeast farther out into the Atlantic.

3 p.m. update
Ana has now been downgraded to a tropical depression with 35 mph winds. Ana is forecast to become a remnant low by tonight as it moves northeast out farther into the Atlantic.

12 p.m. update
Ana is barely holding on as a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic as it churns around 425 miles northeast of Bermuda. Ana’s maximum sustained winds were around 40 mph Sunday morning and was moving northeast at approximately 14 mph. An increase in forward speed was expected in the next day or so. Tropical storm-force winds extended outward up to 35 miles and there are no impacts to land. Ana is expected to weaken and dissipate by Monday.

5 a.m. update
Still plenty of moisture in SE Texas from the disturbance that moved through early Saturday morning, with light rain expected in Houston and heavier rain to our southwest. Elsewhere, 340 miles to the northeast of Bermuda our first named storm, Ana, continues to gradually move northeast over open water. Ana will not make landfall anywhere, and will dissipate early next week.

May 22

11 p.m. update
The tropical disturbance that brought us our rain chance today continues to lift to the north.

Subtropical Storm Ana formed early Saturday and is now making its way northeast out to sea in the Atlantic. It is currently 270 miles northeast of Bermuda and is moving northeast at 9 mph. Ana currently has sustained wind speeds of 45 mph but is expected to weaken over the next 24 hours… eventually dissipating by Monday.

1 p.m. update
Our tropical disturbance responsible for bringing showers to SE Texas today continues to spin through the Hill Country. The moisture that it continues to pump into our area has produced widely scattered showers, especially west of I-45.

SubTropical Storm Ana, our first named storm of the season, is lifting away from Bermuda and poses no threat to land.

10 a.m. update
Subtropical storm Ana formed in the Atlantic Ocean early Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Ana was located about 200 miles northeast of Bermuda Saturday morning with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. The system was expected to continue its slow and erratic motion, and then dissipate in a few days, forecasters said.

Here in the Houston area, the Gulf tropical disturbance continues to weaken and move to the north-northwest. Outer rain bands will continue to impact the Houston area today. A wind advisory has been extended for the Bolivar Peninsula, coastal Jackson, Matagorda, Brazoria and Galveston Island until 4 p.m. Coastal flood advisories continue for Chambers, coastal Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties until 7 a.m. Sunday.

7 a.m. update
The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for several rivers and streams across the region as rain-swollen banks continue to be impacted by scattered showers today. Impacts from the disturbance continue to include locally heavy rainfall, breezy conditions along the coast, elevated tides and marine hazards. The center of the system should push northwest throughout the day. The highest rain chances through noon should be along and west of the Brazos River. Those rain chances will expand across the area later today.

5 a.m. update
The disturbance in the Gulf moved inland near Port Lavaca, and the National Hurricane Center doesn’t expect any more development. Locally, our impacts remain unchanged from prior updates, scattered showers and storms with breezy 30-40mph wind gusts possible, especially along the coast. The NWS has issued a Coastal Flood Warning through 7 a.m. for our coastal communities.

In a much different part of the world, northeast of Bermuda, we now have our first named storm: Subtropical Storm Ana has formed. This storm will have no direct impact on land, and is only notable for being our first named storm of the year, arriving before hurricane season officially begins.

May 21

1 p.m. update
The NHC is now giving the disturbance in the Gulf a 30% chance of development (becoming a Tropical Depression or Tropical Storm).

The impacts in our area will be minor regardless of development. We can expect scattered showers and storms along with wind gusts over 30 mph overnight and through Saturday, with rain tapering off from east to west on Sunday.

Still, if it makes landfall in Texas at tropical depression or storm strength, it’ll be the first in recorded history to do so before June 1, the customary start of the Atlantic hurricane season.

1 p.m. update
A large area of thunderstorms in the western Gulf is drifting northwest towards the Texas coast.

Conditions are slightly favorable for development and the National Hurricane Center is giving it a 60% chance. Whether it develops or not, it’ll give us at least scattered, heavy downpours overnight and through the day on Saturday.

High rain rates along with the slow movement of the storms means some flooding will be possible. Gusty winds and coastal flooding may also be an issue near the coast.

May 20, 2021

According to the latest NOAA outlook, the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season will be busier than normal, but it’s unlikely to be as crazy as 2020’s record-shattering year.

They’re expecting 13-20 tropical storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, although storms can form before and after those dates.

During hurricane season, ABC13 meteorologists will provide daily tropical weather updates on this page.

RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County

Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

During hurricane season, remain prepared and make sure you download our ABC13 Houston app!

Copyright © 2021 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Author: Travis Herzog

This post originally appeared on ABC13 RSS Feed

US

Monitoring for potential tropical development late next week, development chances at 40%

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June 12

7 a.m. update
The area we are monitoring in the Gulf now has a 40% chance of development over the next 5 days. It’s too early for specifics on exact impacts, but the moisture will gradually lift north. For now it’s just something we will be keeping an eye on.

June 11

9 a.m. update
The National Hurricane Center has tagged an area of disturbed weather over the Bay of Campeche with a 20% chance for tropical development over the next 5 days.

Slow development will be possible as this system lifts to the north to northwest. It is still too early to determine what impacts our region could see. Residents along the upper Texas coast should keep an eye on the tropics.

June 10

9 a.m. update
No imminent threat for tropical development over the next 5 days.

However, the Climate Prediction Center says conditions may become more favorable for tropical development in the western Gulf of Mexico late next week. Resident along the upper Texas coast should keep an eye on the tropics.

June 9

8 a.m. update
Formation chances with the disturbance in the southern Caribbean continues to be at a 10% chance over the next five days. However, residents along the upper Texas coast should keep up with the tropics. The Climate Prediction Center expects conditions to become more favorable for tropical development in the western Gulf of Mexico late next week.

June 8

6 p.m. update
Formation chances with the disturbance in the southern Caribbean continues to be at a 20% chance over the next five days. However, residents along the upper Texas coast should keep up with the tropics. The Climate Prediction Center says conditions may become more favorable for tropical development in the western Gulf of Mexico late next week.

2 p.m. update
Formation chance with the disturbance in the southern Caribbean has dropped to a 20% chance over the next five days.

10 a.m. update
Some gradual development will be possible with a tropical disturbance in the southern Caribbean over the next few days. Formation chance is just at 30% over the next 5 days, we’ll continue to monitor it.

Regardless of development, this system will produce heavy rainfall across northern Colombia and portions of Central America later this week and into the weekend.

June 7

Our tropical disturbance in the southern Caribbean remains at just a 20% chance of development over the next 5 days, we’ll continue to monitor it.

June 6

There’s a 20% (low) chance of tropical development over the next 5 days in an area just east of Central America in the southern Caribbean Sea. An area of low pressure could develop by the end of the week and may try to gradually strengthen as it moves northwest. We’ll continue to monitor this area.

June 5

No tropical development is expected in the tropical Atlantic in the next 5 days.

However, NOAA is giving us an early heads up with “high confidence” that one or more tropical systems may spin up in the western Caribbean Sea between June 9th and June 15th.

Why?
Because a large area of low pressure known as the “Central American Gyre” is expected to spin up, and these often will produce one or more smaller low pressure systems that can break off and develop into tropical depressions and storms. There’s no way to know exact details at this time and there’s certainly nothing to worry about right now, but we do want you to at least be casually aware of the possibility just in case.

June 4

No tropical development is expected in the tropical Atlantic in the next 5 days.

In the Eastern Pacific, Blanca has weakened to a post-tropical cyclone and is expected to weaken even further as it heads westward into a drier environment with increasing wind shear and cooler waters.

Just east of Blanca, an area of disturbed area is being monitored for potential tropical development. The formation chance is at 60% during the next 5 days. A tropical depression could form late this weekend or early next week while it moves slowly to the west-northwest well off the coast of Mexico.

June 3

No tropical development is expected in the next 5 days.

In the Eastern Pacific, Blanca is now a tropical depression and is expected to weaken even further as it heads westward into a drier environment with increasing wind shear and cooler waters.

June 2

No tropical development is expected in the next 5 days.

In the Eastern Pacific, Tropical Storm Blanca continues to move west away from Mexico. It should remain as a tropical storm through midweek but should weaken sometime on Thursday down to a tropical depression.

June 1

Today is the official start of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season. No tropical development is expected in the next 5 days.

In the Eastern Pacific, Tropical Storm Blanca continues to move west away from Mexico. It should remain as a tropical storm through midweek but should weaken sometime on Thursday down to a tropical depression.

May 31

No tropical development is expected as the Atlantic hurricane season kicks off tomorrow.

However, in the Eastern Pacific Tropical Depression Two-E is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours as it drifts south of Mexico. This system is expected to remain below hurricane strength and eventually fall apart as it moves over cooler water.

A tropical wave is just west of Two-E and has a slim chance for tropical development during the next five days.

May 26

There are no areas of concern for development for the next 5 days in the Atlantic, Gulf or Caribbean.

May 24

Ana has dissipated and no tropical development is expected during the next five days.

May 23

11 p.m. update
Ana is now a post-tropical cyclone and should dissipate Monday as it moves northeast farther out into the Atlantic.

3 p.m. update
Ana has now been downgraded to a tropical depression with 35 mph winds. Ana is forecast to become a remnant low by tonight as it moves northeast out farther into the Atlantic.

12 p.m. update
Ana is barely holding on as a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic as it churns around 425 miles northeast of Bermuda. Ana’s maximum sustained winds were around 40 mph Sunday morning and was moving northeast at approximately 14 mph. An increase in forward speed was expected in the next day or so. Tropical storm-force winds extended outward up to 35 miles and there are no impacts to land. Ana is expected to weaken and dissipate by Monday.

5 a.m. update
Still plenty of moisture in SE Texas from the disturbance that moved through early Saturday morning, with light rain expected in Houston and heavier rain to our southwest. Elsewhere, 340 miles to the northeast of Bermuda our first named storm, Ana, continues to gradually move northeast over open water. Ana will not make landfall anywhere, and will dissipate early next week.

May 22

11 p.m. update
The tropical disturbance that brought us our rain chance today continues to lift to the north.

Subtropical Storm Ana formed early Saturday and is now making its way northeast out to sea in the Atlantic. It is currently 270 miles northeast of Bermuda and is moving northeast at 9 mph. Ana currently has sustained wind speeds of 45 mph but is expected to weaken over the next 24 hours… eventually dissipating by Monday.

1 p.m. update
Our tropical disturbance responsible for bringing showers to SE Texas today continues to spin through the Hill Country. The moisture that it continues to pump into our area has produced widely scattered showers, especially west of I-45.

SubTropical Storm Ana, our first named storm of the season, is lifting away from Bermuda and poses no threat to land.

10 a.m. update
Subtropical storm Ana formed in the Atlantic Ocean early Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Ana was located about 200 miles northeast of Bermuda Saturday morning with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. The system was expected to continue its slow and erratic motion, and then dissipate in a few days, forecasters said.

Here in the Houston area, the Gulf tropical disturbance continues to weaken and move to the north-northwest. Outer rain bands will continue to impact the Houston area today. A wind advisory has been extended for the Bolivar Peninsula, coastal Jackson, Matagorda, Brazoria and Galveston Island until 4 p.m. Coastal flood advisories continue for Chambers, coastal Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties until 7 a.m. Sunday.

7 a.m. update
The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for several rivers and streams across the region as rain-swollen banks continue to be impacted by scattered showers today. Impacts from the disturbance continue to include locally heavy rainfall, breezy conditions along the coast, elevated tides and marine hazards. The center of the system should push northwest throughout the day. The highest rain chances through noon should be along and west of the Brazos River. Those rain chances will expand across the area later today.

5 a.m. update
The disturbance in the Gulf moved inland near Port Lavaca, and the National Hurricane Center doesn’t expect any more development. Locally, our impacts remain unchanged from prior updates, scattered showers and storms with breezy 30-40mph wind gusts possible, especially along the coast. The NWS has issued a Coastal Flood Warning through 7 a.m. for our coastal communities.

In a much different part of the world, northeast of Bermuda, we now have our first named storm: Subtropical Storm Ana has formed. This storm will have no direct impact on land, and is only notable for being our first named storm of the year, arriving before hurricane season officially begins.

May 21

1 p.m. update
The NHC is now giving the disturbance in the Gulf a 30% chance of development (becoming a Tropical Depression or Tropical Storm).

The impacts in our area will be minor regardless of development. We can expect scattered showers and storms along with wind gusts over 30 mph overnight and through Saturday, with rain tapering off from east to west on Sunday.

Still, if it makes landfall in Texas at tropical depression or storm strength, it’ll be the first in recorded history to do so before June 1, the customary start of the Atlantic hurricane season.

1 p.m. update
A large area of thunderstorms in the western Gulf is drifting northwest towards the Texas coast.

Conditions are slightly favorable for development and the National Hurricane Center is giving it a 60% chance. Whether it develops or not, it’ll give us at least scattered, heavy downpours overnight and through the day on Saturday.

High rain rates along with the slow movement of the storms means some flooding will be possible. Gusty winds and coastal flooding may also be an issue near the coast.

May 20, 2021

According to the latest NOAA outlook, the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season will be busier than normal, but it’s unlikely to be as crazy as 2020’s record-shattering year.

They’re expecting 13-20 tropical storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, although storms can form before and after those dates.

During hurricane season, ABC13 meteorologists will provide daily tropical weather updates on this page.

RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County

Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

During hurricane season, remain prepared and make sure you download our ABC13 Houston app!

Copyright © 2021 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Author: Travis Herzog

This post originally appeared on ABC13 RSS Feed

Sports

Chelsea must learn from Man Utd transfer lesson after latest Erling Haaland development

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It seems there are two options to win the race for the Norway international.

The first is to call Dortmund’s bluff and offer the huge sum that would secure the signature of one of the world’s most promising strikers.

The second would be to agree a deal this summer that would see Haaland stay with the German giants for next season, before joining Chelsea in a year’s time.

With Norway not involved in the Euro 2020 finals which start this week, there’s no time like the present for Chelsea to act.

And getting a deal done early would no doubt suit all parties – as well as avoiding the mistakes of United’s protracted pursuit of Haaland’s team-mate.

Author:
This post originally appeared on Daily Express :: Sport Feed

Gaming

Yes, Jupiter's Sega Picross Game Is Still In Development For Nintendo Switch

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Sega Picross

As you might recall, Picross specialist Jupiter launched its new game Picross S6 on the Nintendo Switch eShop last month.

So, what’s next for the Japanese developer now that it’s complete? In an update on social media, it’s reminded fans its Sega-themed Picross title Picross S: Mega Drive & Mark III Edition (TBC) is “currently under development”.

Although it mentioned how it was “coming soon” to the Nintendo Switch last June, there’s been no mention of it until now. As you can see, the promotional photo makes use of the new blue Switch Lite colour to match Sonic and Sega’s blue theme.

As previously noted, Jupiter has reportedly picked out 59 Sega titles (for example, games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Alex Kidd) and has turned over 180 characters and items from them into picross puzzles. There are also four unique modes – standard Picross, Mega Picross, Colour Picross and Clip Picross (thanks, Japanese Nintendo).

When we hear about a release date, we’ll be sure to let you know. In the meantime, tell us if you would be interested in a Sega-themed Picross game for Switch in the comments below.

Author:
This post originally appeared on Nintendo Life | Latest News

Business

Could rapid development of China’s digital currency threaten US' global dominance? RT’s Boom Bust digs in

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While many countries around the globe are embracing the idea of having their own digital currencies, China has outpaced others in the race for a financial technology breakthrough with its digital yuan.

The Chinese authorities have been long mulling the widespread launch of the country’s digital currency and have conducted massive tests across the country. RT’s Boom Bust discussed how the development of the digital yuan may affect its role in the international financial system and the dominant position of the US dollar.

“It [the digital yuan] removes one of the US’ trump cards, which is total control over the SWIFT network and the US dollar reserve status for trade settlements,” co-host Christy Ai said.

She further added that the popularization of the digital form of the Chinese national currency may boost “globalization” of the yuan. At first, China could promote using the digital yuan in trade with its allies, which eventually would lift the currency’s status as global settlement currency and result in de-dollarization.

“On the flip side the US trade policy could lead to more de-dollarization, especially in the Middle East and Russia,” Christy Ai noted. “There is a challenger now to the USD, so others can actually choose what to use. It really is the end of the US’ ability to unilaterally call all the shots.”

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT’s business section

RT

US

2 Decades In, Texas Woman Shares How Game Development Has Changed

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AUSTIN, Texas — One of Fisa Castellanos’s first gigs in video game development involved a professional ice skater and a weasel.

“She wanted to make a game about a girl who owns a weasel. The idea of the story was if you made good decisions and did good deeds, the [weasel] avatar would change and look more good. If you decided to do more evil stuff, the weasel would look evil,” Castellanos says.

The project was financed by a professional ice skater at the time, but Castellanos can’t recall her name.

“It was not Kristi Yamaguchi,” she laughs. “That’s the one ice skater everyone remembers.”

Originally from Texas, Castellanos got her degree in car design in California. She found herself working an internship in Detroit, where she says the weather was not ideal.

After doing some small jobs in video game development, she decided a career change was in store.

“I decided in doing those jobs that video games were really fun,” Castellanos says.

The 47-year-old was working on her first major project as a vehicle designer for massive multiplayer online first-person shooter Planetside, which released in 2003.

“In this game we had 300 versus 300 people,” Castellanos says, pointing to a framed poster in her office. “You could have a tank, you could have a jet, you could be on foot.”

She recalls sitting with the art director and designer to learn what kind of vehicle was wanted, including small details like how many players could sit in it.

Posters for Everquest II and Doom hang on either side of her Planetside poster–two games Castellanos has worked countless hours on.

Fisa Castellanos points at posters for Everquest II and Doom hanging on either side of her Planetside poster. (Spectrum News 1)

Fisa Castellanos points at posters for Everquest II and Doom hanging on either side of her Planetside poster. (Spectrum News 1)

Castellanos designed vehicles, weapons, and eventually characters.

“That was back in the 2000s when we weren’t sculpting characters, we were still modeling them with polygons. The industry had a huge game change when we got a new program called ZBrush, where people were actually sculpting things. That made things way more time consuming and also made some jobs very competitive,” Castellanos says.

She says the teams responsible for character design were small sometimes, only making up about 10 people in a studio of 200.

Castellanos moved to a new job and used the opportunity to transition to working as a 3D architect, or what she calls a “world builder.” She is one person on a team of around 30 to 40 people.

“The industry has changed so much because before you used to do the whole world, but because of technology we’ve expanded the pipeline out and the assembly line,” she says. “So, at this point in time, you have people who make just textures and materials. You have people who model out props. And then you have people who are more like what I do. I take those props and assemble them into the environment and make what the player actually sees.”

Over the past two decades, Castellanos says game studios have learned to create games efficiently.

“Every game company has figured out their pipeline for how you work. It is more of a work atmosphere since there is such a high demand since things are so graphically complicated. But it’s still a fun environment. The competition has just become a lot larger,” she says.

Like any career, there are bumps along the way.

“I was here in Austin working on a game for three years that never came out,” she says. “It was one of my very first jobs. I was just learning the industry and getting used to the pipeline, and just seeing how fickle the industry can be.”

As ruthless as the industry has been to her, Castellanos has found a lifelong career. As technology advances, she finds she must challenge herself to reach new heights.

“As you do this more and more, the bar gets higher and higher. You’re like ‘Oh, can I do that?’ And then when you get there, you want to move to the next part,” Castellanos says.

Fisa Castellanos works on video game development. (Spectrum News 1)

Fisa Castellanos works on video game development. (Spectrum News 1)

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Gaming

Konami Announces Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Duel Is In Development For Switch

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Yuga Ohdo - the protagonist of Yu-Gi-Oh! SEVENS
Yuga Ohdo – the protagonist of Yu-Gi-Oh! SEVENS

Update [Sat 20th Mar, 2021 15:30 GMT]: The latest issue of V-Jump has revealed Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Duel: Saikyou Battle Royale!! will arrive in Japan this Summer (via Gematsu). It will include a “game-original” story featuring characters from the anime, Yu-Gi-Oh! SEVENS. The official game website has also gone live.

Original article [Sun 20th Dec, 2020 07:45 GMT]: At Jump Fiesta 2021 Online this weekend, Konami announced Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Duel was in development for the Switch.

This latest take on the card game series first appeared in Japan alongside the Yu-Gi-Oh! SEVENS anime earlier this year, and is the seventh Yu-Gi-Oh! show. Gematsu provides a little extra insight about what players can expect from the Switch version:

Players can Normal Summon any number of monsters from their hand in one turn, as well as draw until at least five cards are in their hand.

In the Switch game, players will be able to battle against the characters that appear in the Yu-Gi-Oh! SEVENS anime.

The anime itself hasn’t even been localised yet, although a trademark for an English version was filed in June this year. If this goes ahead, perhaps the Switch game will follow.

If you want a Yu-Gi-Oh! fix sooner rather than later, why not try out Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution which is available on the Switch eShop right now.

Would you be interested in playing a game based on the latest Yu-Gi-Oh! series? Tell us below.