Maldives to Implement Impact-Based Weather Forecast System

Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim announced that the Maldives is set to implement an impact-based weather forecast system aimed at enhancing the country’s ability to assess and respond to severe weather events.

At a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Thoriq outlined the ministry’s latest initiatives to improve weather monitoring capabilities across the nation.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Currently, the Maldives National Weather Service focuses on standard weather forecasts. However, the new impact-based forecast system will enable authorities and residents to anticipate specific consequences of extreme weather conditions more effectively.

Thoriq explained that the new system will provide detailed predictions about both weather patterns and their direct impacts on communities. This proactive approach aims to enhance the Maldives’ preparedness for natural disasters, helping to mitigate risks to infrastructure, property, and human lives. The minister indicated that the system is expected to be fully operational within the next six years.

In addition to the impact-based forecasting initiative, the ministry is pursuing several infrastructure upgrades to bolster the country’s meteorological capabilities:

• Radar Repair and Network Expansion: Efforts are underway to repair existing weather radars and expand the network to cover a broader geographical area.
• Lightning Detection Network: A new network will be established to monitor real-time lightning activity, which is crucial for storm forecasting.
• Automatic Weather Station Repairs: Ongoing work is focused on repairing malfunctioning automatic weather stations to ensure consistent and accurate data collection.
• Upgrading Weather Stations: Existing weather stations will be upgraded to improve data accuracy, resilience, and connectivity with the wider network.

The implementation of the impact-based forecasting system aligns with the Maldives’ broader strategy to strengthen disaster preparedness and enhance resilience against climate change.