South Sudan Strengthens National Observing Network with 27 New Automatic Weather Stations

South Sudan Meteorological Services (SSMS) is further expanding its weather monitoring infrastructure with the installation of 27 additional Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This new phase builds on the progress made with the 13 AWS already installed, bringing the total FAO-supported expansion to 40 AWS (13 existing + 27 new) and significantly strengthening the country’s national observing network.

These additional stations will increase the availability of real-time, ground-based weather observations across South Sudan—supporting improved monitoring of rainfall, temperature, wind and other key variables that underpin weather forecasts, early warnings, agriculture services, and disaster risk management.

Supporting GBON and improving forecasting

The expansion directly supports South Sudan’s contribution to the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON)—a global initiative led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) that defines minimum requirements for surface-based observations needed worldwide. Meeting GBON targets helps ensure that every country contributes essential observations to the global system that powers numerical weather prediction models.

In practice, more and better-quality observations in and around South Sudan improve global forecasting systems, which in turn can enhance forecast accuracy and early warning performance over South Sudan, especially for high-impact events.

Data sharing via WIS2

The 27 new AWS are expected to share data via WIS2 (WMO Information System 2.0), following the same approach as the existing 13 stations already transmitting observations. This ensures that South Sudan’s observations are discoverable and accessible through modern, standardized data exchange mechanisms—benefiting both national users and the wider international forecasting community.

SSMS WIS2 portal: wis2.meteosouthsudan.com.ss/ (You can also explore SSMS updates and news here: meteosouthsudan.com.ss/news/)

This continued investment in observation infrastructure marks another important step in strengthening South Sudan’s climate and weather services and advancing the country’s long-term resilience and sustainable development goals.