The Hong Kong Observatory organizes a Training Course on Design and Operation of Meteorological Warning Systems

Ten meteorologists from Bhutan, Ethiopia, Gambia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Oman, Pakistan, Saint Lucia and Thailand have just completed a training course on design and operation of meteorological warning systems organized by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). The course, which ran from 5 to 9 December 2005, was delivered by HKO staff.

This is the eighth time that HKO organizes and conducts professional training courses for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The objective of the present course is to enhance meteorological warning and public weather services around the world.

Mr. Abebe Yeshanew, a participant from Ethiopia, said, "The achievements of the Hong Kong Observatory in the provision of public weather service have won wide acclaim from WMO and the international meteorological community. In particular, HKO has ample experience in severe weather warnings. HKO's work is well thought out and meets the expectation of the public. This course is very useful and I have benefited considerably from it."

Mr. Lam Chiu-ying, Director of HKO, said, "In recent years, HKO expended effort in developing public weather services and improving its service quality. The cold and very hot weather warnings, ultraviolet index, WMO's 'World Weather Information Services' and 'Severe Weather Information Centre' websites, and lightning location information as a supplement to the thunderstorm warning, are some examples. We also actively contributed to the promotion of public weather services among WMO members, sharing Hong Kong's experience with counterparts from meteorological services round the world."

After completing the training course, participants are expected to contribute to the development of their own meteorological warning systems and public weather services on return to their home countries.

Participants taking part in the Observatory's training course on design and operation of meteorological warning systems