A method for characterizing, detecting and predicting an event of interest, a target event, based on temporal patterns useful for predicting a probable occurrence of the target event is disclosed. Measurable events and their features are defined and quantized into event classes. Temporal series of the event classes are analyzed, and preliminary prediction rules established by analyzing temporal patterns of the event classes that precede an occurrence of the target event using a sliding time window. The quality of the preliminary prediction rules is evaluated and parameters thereof are optimized by using a defined fitness function, thereby defining finalized prediction rules. The finalized prediction rules are then made available for application on temporal series of the event classes to forecast a probable occurrence of the target event.