Thompson - File PREDICTING THE island's weather over a five-day period has become easier as a result of the use of advanced technology by the National Meteorological Service.
Acquisition of new equipment has also facilitated higher levels of accuracy in the forecasts. The Met Service is now able to provide accurate five-day forecasts rather than being limited to 24-hour predictions, said Evan Thompson, head of the Weather Branch.
CUTTING EDGE JA
Jamaica is actually at the forefront of the use of state-of-the-art equipment, Mr. Thompson said. The country's Doppler radar is the only fully functional one of its type in the English-speaking Caribbean.
There are now automatic weather stations in several places in the island including one almost 100 miles offshore on the Pedro Banks. Automatic data loggers for recording rainfall and other satellite interface equipment are also being used by the Meteorological Service, Mr. Thompson said.
IMPORTANT SERVICE
The weather and meteorology services were a key part of the lives of people the world over. This was evident for specialised groups such as fishermen, for whom marine forecasts are essential to their livelihoods and security.
The tourism sector and insurance companies also depend heavily on the work of the National Meteorological Service.
"The service will be carrying out a number of activities across the island to mark World Meteorological Day on Tuesday, March 23," Mr. Thompson said while addressing the weekly Jamaica Information Service Think Tank session last week.
