Truus WarsodikromoHead of the Synoptic Division

Meteorological Service SurinameEmail address: infometeozan@publicworks.gov.sr

RA-IV WIGOS Implementation Workshop (English),

1 - 3 December, Willemstad Curaçao

SURINAME Presentation

Outline of the presentation

1. Mission of the NMS

2. National Observing Issues or Needs

3. Plans for the observing networks

4. WIGOS Implementation Status

5. Summary

Mission of the NMS

• Mission: to observe, forecast and understand the weather and climate and provide the necessary meteorological and climatological information in support of national needs and international obligations.

• Responsibilities: Climate division: information on climate and climate forecast(Monthly and quarterly), Synoptic Division: public forecasting and warnings, Aviation and Marine reports, forecast and warnings.

• Major historical meteorological disaster events– The floodings in May 2006 in the hinterland due to

continues moderate to heavy rains for almost a week.– Economic loss: SRD111 million and affecting 30000

people

Cont’d

• Staff composition:

5 meteorologist, 30 Met Technicians.

3 Technicians at the maintenance

(Maintenance is also done

by the personnel of Civil Aviation for

instruments used for aeronautical information)

WIGOS Implementation Status

• Status of the WMO-reported national observing networks – 1 network at the NMC. Is also the collecting en distributing

center.

– There are 4 silent stations.

• There is a national database (Synoptic, Aeronautical and Climate data). There is a regional database, but just for climate data (CIMH).

• The data is shared with Regional OPMET databank (Brazil). The databank makes it accessible for other users.

Major needs and gaps in observing capabilities and access

• The major needs and gaps are observing low level windshear, upgrading the Maintenance unit, restore our GTS, set up AWS in the hinterland.– The WMO can, among others, help to restore our

GTS– RA-IV/RA-III and Members: partnership and SLA

agreement (Service Level Agreement)

Plans for the National Observing Networks

• Currently we are working on replacing our manned synoptic station by AWS.

• The installation of the Doppler Radar is in progress and the first test will be in mid Dec. The intention is to work together with the Caribbean Met Organisation

• In September there was a climate workshop for stakeholders and we all agree that there must be a platform/databank so data can be shared

WIGOS Implementation Status

• There is no updated National WIGOS Implementation plan/strategy. We have the intention to start this plan, but we lack resources (human resource and finance) and training.

• We need personnel (at least 2) at university level.

WIGOS Implementation Status

• Agreements:– There is an informal collaborative arrangements amongst

meteorological, hydrological, marine/oceanographic, and academic/research institutions and private sector services within the country for WIGOS implementation. The only formal arrangements is with the Civil Aviation.

• Data access:– All data is available on request accept for aviation data.

These data are delivered by default and on request.

WIGOS Implementation Status

• There is an operational Quality Management System only for the Aeronautical Observing network. Although the QMS is for Aermet all data from the synop division is controlled

• The operational and/or maintenance processes for observing systems are documented and their implementation are monitored, according to WMO standards and practices

Summary and conclusion Data is not shared by stakeholders.

Strengthening the interaction and integration between the different stakeholders and to work on a structure

Informal agreements is not a solution. Signing agreements with stakeholders

Capacity building. A mindshift is needed. Knowledge through technology and or training

Understand the benefits of WIGOS Commitments