DOST to get modern gears for weather forecasts

DAVAO CITY- The Department of Science of Technology (DOST) will be acquiring modern equipment to advance their weather forecasting capabilities.

This was revealed by DOST Secretary Mario Montejo during his visit to Davao today (Nov. 13) to open the MindaDOST Cluster Science and Technology Fair at SMX Davao.

“We will have what we call “storm chasers,” mobile radars which will be deployed near typhoon hit areas.” Montejo said.

These mobile radars are meant to provide additional monitoring and get more info about the typhoon while communicating that data to the ground.

He also said that the mobile radar could provide back-up monitoring in case facilities such as Doppler radars are damaged during the typhoon.

Another equipment the Department are eyeing are supercomputers which would run PAGASA’s weather forecasting models.

Montejo said that the DOST thru PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration) is committed to improve weather forecasting capability in the country.

Among the other capabilities are site specific weather forecasting approximately forecasts for 12 x 12 kilometer area and a six to seven day warning system for storms and typhoons. (PIA/RG Alama)