The first “modernized” weather forecast on local television, according to GINA, was aired on the National Communications Network (NCN) last evening.

The forecast was presented by Abevia Semple from the Hydrometeorological Office. A news release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said that this is part of an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture to alert citizens about various weather patterns so that precautions could be taken.

The project evolved out of the United Kingdom Meteorological Office’s Voluntary Cooperation Programme (VCP) which is presently supporting the Hydrometeorological Service and NCN, in its pursuit to modernize the presentation of the weather forecast to the public. Funding came from contributions to the VCP programme which is part of the UK Public Weather Services, provided by the UK Met Office.

GINA said that the estimated cost for the project (software, hardware and training) is approximately £35,000 and through the VCP, the Hydrometeorological Service has received WeatherEye PC, which is a complete weather visualization broadcasting system. It combines the latest 3D weather graphics software, meteorological data and global mapping capabilities, the release said.

It stated that “Semple was able to forecast the weather for the present day and tomorrow as well”. He was also able to highlight weather patterns on the coastland and other areas.

Farmers and other stakeholders will now be able to have a better understanding of the weather patterns and it will facilitate those living in agricultural and vulnerable areas to take the necessary precautions. The Doppler radar system will also complement this initiative, GINA added.