Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has stated the government will be upgrading the weather observation network of the Maldives to global standards. The Ministry signed an agreement with the United Nations Environment for financial assistance for the project via the Systematic Observation Finance Facility. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim.
Under the agreement an aid of USD 1.6 million will be provided to upgrade the weather observation network of the Maldives to the standard of the Global Basic Observation Network. The ministry noted that project will include the upgradation of observation systems in four branched of the Maldives Meteorological Centre (Met Office) established in five regions of the nation.
As such, the weather observation systems in the branches in Hulhule, Hanimaadhoo, Kahdhoo and Addu City will be upgraded. The project will also include the development of an additional branch of the Met Office in Maafaru and repair works of the Upper Air (Radiosonde) in the Met Office established in Addu City. The ministry stated that the United Nations Environment will provide equipment and training programs for the staff to maintain the systems for the next four years.
Established in 1974, the MET Office celebrated its 50th anniversary on August 1. The agency, which used to do weather forecasts for four hours, can now forecast the weather for 24 hours. At the same time, branches of the MET Office have been established in five regions of the country