Met Office

You are planning to go out for the day and you need to know what the weather is going to be like, whether you need to carry an umbrella, a jacket or a sunhat. Don't worry. Just dial 1090 from your mobile phone and get an update immediately. Information about the weather is now in the palm of your hand, thanks to meteorologists using modern technology to predict rain, wind or sunshine in real time.

“It's a toll-free interactive voice record (IVR) service and anyone can get the latest weather information at any time,” Shamsuddin Ahmed, director of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), said about the four-digit number while talking to this correspondent at his office in the capital’s Agargaon area recently.

BMD, also known as Abohawa Office or Met Office, under the Ministry of Defence provides daily weather bulletins, as well as cautionary signals and warnings against extreme weather conditions, like thunderstorms, cyclones, tidal waves, excessive rainfall, floods and tornadoes, which help to reduce loss of both life and property.

Ahead of World Meteorological Day on March 23, The Weekend Independent this week talks to weather officials, non-government organisations and other agencies regarding the state of meteorological services in our country. ‘Weather ready, climate smart’ is the theme of the day this year, as set by World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), a specialised UN agency based in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Generally, the modes for disseminating weather information are fax, telephone, email and the internet. Moreover, the Met Office has launched 'BMD aquaculture app' which is available on its website (http://bmd.gov.bd). Fishing-related weather information is available on the app,” the BMD director said.

BMD has also developed an application for smartphones named ‘BMD Weather App’, which is available from both Google and iPhone apps stores, Ahmed said. Phone users with internet connection can get the latest information on weather conditions like temperature, humidity, air pressure, amount of rainfall, etc, through this app. Besides cautionary signals for cyclones, agriculture weather, hydrology, cold-wave and drought-related information can also be known from the app.

Forecasting rain is most important for the country’s agriculture sector. According to the BMD director, Bangladesh has 11 agro-observatory weather stations, which help farmers to increase production.

“BMD has signed on to ‘Climate Services for Resilient Development in South Asia’ partnership project to make sure information regarding agro-friendly weather forecasting is available timely. The agro-meteorological information services can help farmers to increase agricultural productivity and assist them in coping with weather and climate changes,” Ahmed said. “Carlo Montes, an agricultural climatologist who has also worked with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), is guiding the project,” he added.

About the number of weather stations and ongoing projects, the BMD director said: “There are 47 weather stations in the country now. A World Bank project will establish 200 automatic weather stations (AWS) by 2020. Then the number of stationed will be 247.”                                                

 “We do not have our own weather satellite till date. So, Japan Meteorological Department and Norway Meteorological Institute help us now. We use data from Japanese weather satellite Himawari 9,” Ahmed added.

Bangladesh is now under 100 percent radar coverage, the BMD director said: “We have installed five meteorological radar stations, at Rangpur, Moulvibazar, Cox's Bazaar, Khepupara upazila of Patuakhali and Dhaka districts, which cover  the whole country.”

“We have our expert team. Thus, our forecasting system has improved, more than before. We have weather forecast stations at every airport. The pilots of airplanes follow our wind direction. We exchange our weather data internationally through global telecommunication system (GTS) every three hours every day,” Ahmed informed.

Regarding the techniques used to collect weather data, Momenul Islam, a meteorologist at BMD, said: “There are several ways to get forecast data. Proper observation is a must for weather prediction. We use radar and satellite for remote sensing observation; and thermometer, barometer and anemometer for surface observation. For upper air observation, we use pilot balloon observation, radiosonde observation and telescope machine. We also collect data from our automatic weather stations. Then we come to a decision on the observatory data using numerical weather prediction (NWP) technique. Finally, we forecast the weather based on all the information available.”

About earthquake prediction in our country, the meteorologist added: “The number of earthquake monitoring stations is 10 and we have 10 broadband seismometers.”

Abdul Mannan, another meteorologist, said they do face some problems when predicting the weather, mainly due to limitation of resources and shortage of experts. “People always worry about the weather, and we are the only trusted source when it comes to weather forecasts. So, our main target is to provide reliable weather updates to them,” said Mannan. “If I get data from all the centres timely and smoothly, I can provide weather forecasts more confidently. It is important to get all the information by 3pm on the day for making a valid and trustworthy forecast. We have some limitation of technology as we have to collect data manually.”

“Of course, we need the optimum use of technology. So, we have already bought modern computers and other accessories that will be installed soon. We have also sent a proposal to the government to increase our capacity,” Ahmed, the BMD director, said about acquiring modern equipment and extending service activities of the Met Office.  

Though the services of BMD are better developed now, people who live in disaster-prone areas sometimes do not get weather bulletins on time. Boshir Ahmed, station in-charge of Radio Chilmari, a community radio in northern Kurigram district, claimed: “To get our regional weather forecast, we have to call the local met office many times, but they do not cooperate with us. We are an important medium for delivering weather updates to people in remote haor (wetland) areas. Weather forecasts are very important for the people of Kurigram and neighbouring districts who live near the Brahmaputra River. But when the Met Office gives weather news, it does not mention the name of the Brahmaputra specifically.”

“They should run a hotline number and send email notifications for daily weather updates, so we can get the data easily. Sometimes, the radio becomes the only source for getting weather information in disaster-prone areas, which are mostly in remote areas of the country,” the development worker suggested, while talking to this correspondent over telephone.

In response to Boshir Ahmed’s complaint and suggestion, BMD director Shamsuddin Ahmed, said: “We already have two weather stations in Kurigram. We hope the problem will be solved by setting up of 200 AWS stations across the country. We are always ready to provide good service. If the community radio officials meet us with their proposals, we will consider them. We need help from everyone as we are working to develop our weather forecasting service.”

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is working to create awareness among people and mitigate losses during natural calamities that frequently strike our country. The department, under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, is one of the major data users of BMD. “The DDM collects our weather forecast data, including rainfall, cyclone, flood and other warnings. In case of extreme weather, they send messages to the local administration immediately, so they can warn the people and minimise losses,” Shamsuddin Ahmed said regarding BMD’s collaboration with DDM.

Reaz Ahmed, director general of DDM, added: “We have regular communication with BMD. During periods of natural disasters, we send the cautionary signals of BMD to the local administration. We run the toll-free number, 1090, for weather forecasts with the support of BMD and Teletalk (a state-owned mobile phone operator). BMD updates the data twice a day and uses IVR system to broadcast weather information. Subscribers can get five types of information (on sea and river conditions, daily weather, storms and floods) by dialling the number.”   

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) is another important data user of BMD. The two organisations are working together on Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) in Bangladesh. Khaleda Akhter, communication officer of BDRCS, said: “BDRCS and BMD are jointly working on CPP, which is a unique institutional arrangement for community preparedness created to mitigate the challenges of catastrophic cyclones, which frequently hit our coastal areas. The CPP ensures rapid dissemination of official BMD cyclone warning signals to the local communities. Once warned, CPP assists in sheltering, rescuing and offering immediate medical attention.”

Regarding research and training on meteorology, Momenul Islam, the BMD meteorologist, said adequate knowledge of advances in science and technology is important for proper weather forecasting. To realise this fact, BMD sends its officials overseas for further training to develop their professional skills. “BMD sends us to foreign countries for higher training. It also invites expert scientists to our country to guide us properly,” Islam said.

In collaboration with BMD, Dhaka University (DU) has recently established a meteorological department. "We have our own training institute to develop the skills of our staff. Besides that, DU has launched a meteorological department recently with our support and cooperation. We are also planning to expand meteorological studies through other activities,” Ahmed, the BMD director, said.

Towhida Rashid, chairperson of the Department of Meteorology at DU, said:  “We are offering Master of Science (MSc) degree in meteorology. The course duration is 18 months. The class of the first batch is going on now. The department will focus on producing skilled meteorologists, who will help to mitigate losses from natural disasters. Also, data from this department will help researchers to predict future natural calamities.”

“We are getting support from BMD to improve the department. We have proposed doing research in the haor areas in the northern part of the country, and we hope to collect sufficient meteorological data from there. As a research-based institution, we will cooperate with other organisations that are working in this field,” she added.

Regarding activities on World Meteorology Day, Rashid said: “We will arrange a rally on the campus with our students to celebrate the day.” BMD also has special programmes planned to mark the day, its director said. n

Photos: Courtesy.

Met Office

You are planning to go out for the day and you need to know what the weather is going to be like, whether you need to carry an umbrella, a jacket or a sunhat. Dont worry. Just dial 1090 from your mobile phone and get an update immediately. Information about the weather is now in the palm of your hand, thanks to meteorologists using modern technology to predict rain, wind or sunshine in real time. Its a toll-free interactive voice record (IVR) service and anyone can get the latest weather information at any time, Shamsuddin Ahmed, director of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), said about the four-digit number while talking to this correspondent at his office in the capitals Agargaon area recently. BMD, also known as Abohawa Office or Met Office, under the Ministry of Defence provides daily weather bulletins, as well as cautionary signals and warnings against extreme weather conditions, like thunderstorms, cyclones, tidal waves, excessive rainfall, floods and tornadoes, which help to reduce loss of both life and property. Ahead of World Meteorological Day on March 23, The Weekend Independent this week talks to weather officials, non-government organisations and other agencies regarding the state of meteorological services in our country. Weather ready, climate smart is the theme of the day this year, as set by World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), a specialised UN agency based in Geneva, Switzerland. Generally, the modes for disseminating weather information are fax, telephone, email and the internet. Moreover, the Met Office has launched BMD aquaculture app which is available on its website (http://bmd.gov.bd). Fishing-related weather information is available on the app, the BMD director said. BMD has also developed an application for smartphones named BMD Weather App, which is available from both Google and iPhone apps stores, Ahmed said. Phone users with internet connection can get the latest information on weather conditions like temperature, humidity, air pressure, amount of rainfall, etc, through this app. Besides cautionary signals for cyclones, agriculture weather, hydrology, cold-wave and drought-related information can also be known from the app. Forecasting rain is most important for the countrys agriculture sector. According to the BMD director, Bangladesh has 11 agro-observatory weather stations, which help farmers to increase production. BMD has signed on to Climate Services for Resilient Development in South Asia partnership project to make sure information regarding agro-friendly weather forecasting is available timely. The agro-meteorological information services can help farmers to increase agricultural productivity and assist them in coping with weather and climate changes, Ahmed said. Carlo Montes, an agricultural climatologist who has also worked with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), is guiding the project, he added. About the number of weather stations and ongoing projects, the BMD director said: There are 47 weather stations in the country now. A World Bank project will establish 200 automatic weather stations (AWS) by 2020. Then the number of stationed will be 247. We do not have our own weather satellite till date. So, Japan Meteorological Department and Norway Meteorological Institute help us now. We use data from Japanese weather satellite Himawari 9, Ahmed added. Bangladesh is now under 100 percent radar coverage, the BMD director said: We have installed five meteorological radar stations, at Rangpur, Moulvibazar, Coxs Bazaar, Khepupara upazila of Patuakhali and Dhaka districts, which cover the whole country. We have our expert team. Thus, our forecasting system has improved, more than before. We have weather forecast stations at every airport. The pilots of airplanes follow our wind direction. We exchange our weather data internationally through global telecommunication system (GTS) every three hours every day, Ahmed informed. Regarding the techniques used to collect weather data, Momenul Islam, a meteorologist at BMD, said: There are several ways to get forecast data. Proper observation is a must for weather prediction. We use radar and satellite for remote sensing observation; and thermometer, barometer and anemometer for surface observation. For upper air observation, we use pilot balloon observation, radiosonde observation and telescope machine. We also collect data from our automatic weather stations. Then we come to a decision on the observatory data using numerical weather prediction (NWP) technique. Finally, we forecast the weather based on all the information available. About earthquake prediction in our country, the meteorologist added: The number of earthquake monitoring stations is 10 and we have 10 broadband seismometers. Abdul Mannan, another meteorologist, said they do face some problems when predicting the weather, mainly due to limitation of resources and shortage of experts. People always worry about the weather, and we are the only trusted source when it comes to weather forecasts. So, our main target is to provide reliable weather updates to them, said Mannan. If I get data from all the centres timely and smoothly, I can provide weather forecasts more confidently. It is important to get all the information by 3pm on the day for making a valid and trustworthy forecast. We have some limitation of technology as we have to collect data manually. Of course, we need the optimum use of technology. So, we have already bought modern computers and other accessories that will be installed soon. We have also sent a proposal to the government to increase our capacity, Ahmed, the BMD director, said about acquiring modern equipment and extending service activities of the Met Office. Though the services of BMD are better developed now, people who live in disaster-prone areas sometimes do not get weather bulletins on time. Boshir Ahmed, station in-charge of Radio Chilmari, a community radio in northern Kurigram district, claimed: To get our regional weather forecast, we have to call the local met office many times, but they do not cooperate with us. We are an important medium for delivering weather updates to people in remote haor (wetland) areas. Weather forecasts are very important for the people of Kurigram and neighbouring districts who live near the Brahmaputra River. But when the Met Office gives weather news, it does not mention the name of the Brahmaputra specifically. They should run a hotline number and send email notifications for daily weather updates, so we can get the data easily. Sometimes, the radio becomes the only source for getting weather information in disaster-prone areas, which are mostly in remote areas of the country, the development worker suggested, while talking to this correspondent over telephone. In response to Boshir Ahmeds complaint and suggestion, BMD director Shamsuddin Ahmed, said: We already have two weather stations in Kurigram. We hope the problem will be solved by setting up of 200 AWS stations across the country. We are always ready to provide good service. If the community radio officials meet us with their proposals, we will consider them. We need help from everyone as we are working to develop our weather forecasting service. The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is working to create awareness among people and mitigate losses during natural calamities that frequently strike our country. The department, under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, is one of the major data users of BMD. The DDM collects our weather forecast data, including rainfall, cyclone, flood and other warnings. In case of extreme weather, they send messages to the local administration immediately, so they can warn the people and minimise losses, Shamsuddin Ahmed said regarding BMDs collaboration with DDM. Reaz Ahmed, director general of DDM, added: We have regular communication with BMD. During periods of natural disasters, we send the cautionary signals of BMD to the local administration. We run the toll-free number, 1090, for weather forecasts with the support of BMD and Teletalk (a state-owned mobile phone operator). BMD updates the data twice a day and uses IVR system to broadcast weather information. Subscribers can get five types of information (on sea and river conditions, daily weather, storms and floods) by dialling the number. Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) is another important data user of BMD. The two organisations are working together on Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) in Bangladesh. Khaleda Akhter, communication officer of BDRCS, said: BDRCS and BMD are jointly working on CPP, which is a unique institutional arrangement for community preparedness created to mitigate the challenges of catastrophic cyclones, which frequently hit our coastal areas. The CPP ensures rapid dissemination of official BMD cyclone warning signals to the local communities. Once warned, CPP assists in sheltering, rescuing and offering immediate medical attention. Regarding research and training on meteorology, Momenul Islam, the BMD meteorologist, said adequate knowledge of advances in science and technology is important for proper weather forecasting. To realise this fact, BMD sends its officials overseas for further training to develop their professional skills. BMD sends us to foreign countries for higher training. It also invites expert scientists to our country to guide us properly, Islam said. In collaboration with BMD, Dhaka University (DU) has recently established a meteorological department. We have our own training institute to develop the skills of our staff. Besides that, DU has launched a meteorological department recently with our support and cooperation. We are also planning to expand meteorological studies through other activities, Ahmed, the BMD director, said. Towhida Rashid, chairperson of the Department of Meteorology at DU, said: We are offering Master of Science (MSc) degree in meteorology. The course duration is 18 months. The class of the first batch is going on now. The department will focus on producing skilled meteorologists, who will help to mitigate losses from natural disasters. Also, data from this department will help researchers to predict future natural calamities. We are getting support from BMD to improve the department. We have proposed doing research in the haor areas in the northern part of the country, and we hope to collect sufficient meteorological data from there. As a research-based institution, we will cooperate with other organisations that are working in this field, she added. Regarding activities on World Meteorology Day, Rashid said: We will arrange a rally on the campus with our students to celebrate the day. BMD also has special programmes planned to mark the day, its director said. n Photos: Courtesy.