Weather monitoring key in policymaking
01 Jul 2024
The Department of Meteorological Services operates a weather observational network across the country to observe, analyse and predict weather and climate to be used for the benefit of policy making decisions and planning in the climate sensitive sectors of the economy.
Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Setlhabelo Modukanele said this in response to a question, on behalf of Minister of Environment and Tourism, during Ntlo Ya Dikgosi session recently.
Mr Modukanele said the weather observational network was also used to manage risk arising from climate variability and climate change.
He said the current weather observational platform across Botswana included a 28 Automatic Weather Stations (ASW), Automatic Weather Observing Stations (AWOS) at airports, 106 Automatic Rain gauges approximately 500 manual rainfall stations and a remote sensing unit.
He said Kgalagadi South operated three automation weather stations located at Tsabong, Werda and Vaalhoek, while Tsabong and Werda also served as manned synoptic stations.
He said there were 26 rainfall stations in the district, out of which six were automatic rain gauges.
Mr Modukanele said weather parameters measured at such stations included rainfall, temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, solar radiation and sunshine hours and were used to predict future weather conditions to be used by various climate sensitive sectors of the economy.
“Dissemination of this information is carried out through multiple platforms which include television, radio, print media, social media, email, telephone, fairs and shows, open days and kgotla meetings to ensure broad public access and awareness,” he said.
He added that weather forecasts were issued on Botswana Television every evening after the news both in Setswana and English, including the expected weather for the next day or two.
“Any rainfall recorded on that day is shown ranging from high to low. Due to broadcast time constraints, some places with low rainfall might not be included in the broadcast during times of widespread rains.
The same applies to radio broadcast and as example during the period of January to June this year, Tsabong appeared 17 times on Btv and it is only three occasions that it did not appear where it had recorded rainfall of 0.4mm or less,” he said.
He further indicated that despite some instances of low rainfall data not being reported in broadcasts, the information from all stations including Kgalagadi South was thoroughly analysed and incorporated into the district, national and international reports.
“This ensures that the sectors such as agriculture, aviation, water management, health and disaster risk reduction benefit from accurate and timely weather and climate information,” he added.
Kgosi David Toto of Kgalagadi South had asked the minster to explain the criteria for reporting rainfall and weather conditions throughout the country since some stations like Tsabong were not reported on national rainfall reports. BOPA
Source : BOPA
Author : BOPA
Location : GABORONE
Event : Ntlo ya Dikgosi
Date : 01 Jul 2024
Related News
29 Apr 2025
29 Apr 2025
Eliminate corruption - Kapinga
28 Apr 2025
Invest in impactful projects - Mohwasa
28 Apr 2025
Media industry advocates for sustainability
27 Apr 2025