China has significantly enhanced its meteorological observation capabilities by establishing a comprehensive system that integrates land, sea, air, and space-based technologies, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).
At a press briefing on Sunday in Beijing, Fang Xiang, Director General of the Department of Integrated Observation at the CMA, announced that the country now boasts the world’s largest weather radar monitoring network. “The network consists of 546 weather radars, with coverage that has markedly improved over the past five years,” Fang noted.
The enhanced network plays a crucial role in accurately monitoring and predicting weather patterns, which is vital for disaster prevention and mitigation efforts across the nation.
In addition to ground-based advancements, China has deployed nine Fengyun meteorological satellites for high and low orbit observations. These satellites provide comprehensive data, making China the only country with dawn, morning, afternoon, and precipitation measurement satellites. The satellite data serves not only China but also benefits 132 countries and regions with over 160,000 global users.
Fang highlighted that over 76,000 ground-based automatic meteorological observation stations have been established nationwide, ensuring full coverage of all townships. The system also includes 27 national climate observatories and eight national atmospheric background stations, providing comprehensive monitoring of key climate areas.
A national greenhouse gas observation network with 120 high-precision stations has been set up, with data being regularly published to support environmental monitoring and climate change research.
In the realm of space weather observation, the CMA has established 61 national space weather observation stations over the last five years, enhancing capabilities in space weather monitoring and early warning services.
Speaking at the same briefing, Bi Baogui, Vice Administrator of the CMA, emphasized that significant breakthroughs have been made in key meteorological technologies. He cited the development of “hundred-meter level, minute-level” forecasting technology, which has proven instrumental in improving disaster prevention and mitigation.
“We have incorporated artificial intelligence into some applications,” Bi said, mentioning the release of three independently developed meteorological large models: “Fengqing,” “Fenglei,” and “Fengshun.”
Bi further noted that advancements in detection technology, such as the BeiDou sounding system and three-stage sounding technology, have provided “a Chinese solution for the high-quality development of global meteorological sounding.”
These comprehensive improvements in China’s meteorological observation system enhance the nation’s ability to monitor weather and climate accurately, contributing to global meteorological services and supporting sustainable development.
Reference(s):
Major improvements in China's meteorological observation system
cgtn.com
