Transcript AWS TECHNOLOGY AND ITS EFFECT ON SURFACE WEATHER OBSERVATION IN KENYA Mungai Peter N. Kenya Meteorological Department. P.O.Box 30259-00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya. Phone 254-2-3867880 Fax 254-2-3876955 http://www.meteo.go.ke e-mail: [email protected].

AWS TECHNOLOGY AND ITS EFFECT ON SURFACE WEATHER
OBSERVATION IN KENYA
Mungai Peter N.
Kenya Meteorological Department.
P.O.Box 30259-00100 GPO
Nairobi, Kenya.
Phone 254-2-3867880
Fax 254-2-3876955
http://www.meteo.go.ke
e-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
• In recent times there have been considerable technology advance
as far as surface weather parameter measurement are concerned.
• in Kenya, the use of automatic weather observing systems has
rapidly taken root and is co-existing together with the traditional
method of manual surface data collection. In view of this, it is
important to understand the technicalities needed to integrate this
new technology with an existing one. This paper will provide an
overview of how the new automatic weather observing system
(AWOS) technology has affected the existing manual data collection
method in terms of reliability, time, and accuracy, among others
INTRODUCTION
Geographical position of Kenya
The republic of Kenya is situated in Eastern Africa,
bordering the Indian Ocean between Tanzania and
Somalia. The country’s total area is approximated as
583,000 sq.km, with water covering only about 13,500
sq.Km. The country’s climate varies from tropical along
the coast to arid in interior with low plains terrains rising
to central highlands bisected by the Great Rift Valley.
FIG 1: A map of Kenya
Technology advancement.
• The country has a well established network of
•
•
Agro/synoptic Meteorological stations distributed all over
the country.
Over the years, the Kenya Meteorological Department
(KMD) has relied more on the manually collect surface
data. This involves physical observation of weather
parameters by an observer and then relaying the
observed weather parameters to National Meteorological
Centre (NMC) for further analysis and re-transmission.
Currently, most of these surface data observatories have
been successfully equipped by an automatic weather
observing systems (AWS) and the project is still on going
for the remaining ones.
Fig.2: The Meteorological Network in Kenya
Why AWOS network?
• To provide a reliable, more accurate and cost effective
•
source of surface data observations in order to support
national, regional and global basic meteorological
operations and research
In support for short to medium term forecasting. This
will include Severe weather forecast and warning
services, Public weather forecast and warning services,
Aviation weather services (enroute and terminal area
forecasts), supporting airlines, air traffic control and
airport operations, Marine and industrial applications,
Environmental monitoring and warning applications,
Climate studies, etc.
Challenges
• Like any other developing countries, Kenya is faced by
•
•
•
all sorts of challenges ranging from economical, social
and political ones. The Kenya Meteorological
Department, as the government department is one way
or the other affected by these challenges.
The cost of procuring, installation and maintenance of
AWS has curtailed the fast process of upgrading the
surface observing stations.
Technical Knowledge required for installation, operation
and maintenance of otherwise complex AWS has also
slowed the impact of AWS.
The installation of AWS at remote areas has proved
difficult due to insecurity of the instruments.
Conclusion
• The process of Modernization of Meteorological
•
observation network has provided great
progress and technological advancement to
Kenya.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has
embarked on improving the knowledge and
capacity of the technical staffs to be able to
operate and maintain the AWOS Network.
End