South Sudan Expands Weather Monitoring Capabilities with 13 New Automatic Weather Stations
In a significant boost to its weather monitoring infrastructure, South Sudan Meteorological Services (SSMS) is set to expand its network with the installation of 13 new Automatic Weather Stations (AWS). This initiative, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will enhance the country’s ability to monitor and respond to weather and climate conditions, benefiting a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, meteorology, and disaster management.
The new stations, supplied by Siaps and Micros, are currently in transit, having arrived at the port of Mombasa for clearance. The installation of these AWS is expected to be completed by the end of October 2024. Once operational, these stations will provide critical weather data that will be easily accessible to various stakeholders, ensuring that timely and accurate information is available to those who need it most.
This expansion is also a key step in South Sudan’s efforts to align with the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON), an international initiative aimed at improving the global weather observation system. By contributing these 13 new stations, South Sudan will significantly reduce its current gap in surface weather stations, further integrating into the global network and enhancing its capacity to monitor weather patterns and support decision-making in various sectors.
The addition of these AWS marks a major advancement in South Sudan’s meteorological capabilities, reinforcing the country’s commitment to improving climate resilience and sustainable development.