The China Meteorological Administration said it completed a first full-process observation of Typhoon Noul using a swarm of meteorological drones at a research base on Shenzhen's Dapeng Peninsula.
Unlike conventional single-drone flights, the system deployed multiple unmanned aircraft simultaneously at different locations and altitudes. The coordinated approach enabled high-density, three-dimensional sampling of the lower atmosphere and filled gaps in low-altitude coastal observations.
Researchers collected continuous vertical profiles of temperature, humidity, wind fields and turbulence before, during and after the typhoon's passage. The drones also logged operational data, including flight attitude, trajectory deviation and battery power consumption, to help define safe operational limits under extreme weather.
Onsite tests in Shenzhen involved four drones flying in a coordinated observation network. Different drone models were flown under strong winds and turbulence to assess performance and sensor payloads. Researchers said more long-term measurements across varied terrain are still needed to improve typhoon forecasting.
Authorities and scientists expect the new observations to provide critical data for improving short-range typhoon monitoring and forecasting, and to advance research on operational constraints for low-altitude uncrewed flights in severe weather.
Drones In Flood Response And Citywide Networks
Local authorities in Mile City, Yunnan Province, deployed an AI-enabled drone system during heavy rainfall to support emergency drainage and aerial patrols. Real-time drone footage guided rescue teams to flooded areas and helped them evacuate stranded residents.
Rescue personnel used drone information to direct traffic and open storm drains and manhole covers to speed drainage. Teams remained on site to prevent accidents and, by early Tuesday, emergency drainage work had been largely completed with normal city life gradually resuming.
In Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, officials expanded a citywide drone inspection system for flood control and emergency response after storms raised water levels across the Lixiahe area. The system supports routine levee inspections and ongoing water monitoring.
Huai'an operates more than 200 drone stations and over 300 manually operated drones, allowing emergency deployment within five minutes. Its network also conducts intelligent inspections of 28,000 kilometers of power transmission and distribution lines and more than 190 substations.
China already uses an integrated weather observation network combining meteorological satellites, radar and ground stations. But cloud cover and limited low-altitude data leave observation gaps. Researchers said high-frequency swarm-drone observations can help bridge those gaps and improve forecasting.
