Forecasters from Tonga Meteorological Service will have their forecasting capabilities boosted with a specialized training on the Himawari-8 weather satellite system.
The training is being provided by senior forecasters from Japan Meteorological Agency and is the second phase of a Japanese government funded project for the installation of a satellite receiving station.
The training will ensure that Tonga’s forecasters are able to use and interpret high resolution satellite image products to assist weather forecasting operation.
“This system that has been installed at Fua’amotu for receiving satellite imagery from the Himawari-8 Geostationary Weather Satellite is a giant leap forward for the Weather Forecasting Centre,” said ‘Ofa Fa’anunu, Director of Tonga Meteorological Service.
Forecasting services in Tonga rely heavily on internet communications for the exchange of large amounts of meteorological data required to produce Tonga’s forecasts. Usually, when the internet fails, forecast operations are severely crippled. Particularly during severe weather events, he added.
“Having this system will not only keep us functional during times of communications outage it will also allow us to provide more regular updates of the weather particularly during tropical cyclone events,” Fa’anunu said.
The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency, Dr. Toshihiko Hashida expressed his sincere gratitude for the dedication and support provided by the staff of Tonga Met Service and cooperation for the success of the project.
He also reiterated that JMA wishes to further enhance its collaboration with the Tonga Meteorological Service in the future.
The specialized training at the Fua’amotu Weather Forecasting Centre will end today.