Today's Edition
Sara Al Zaabi (ABU DHABI)
The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has grown beyond traditional weather forecasting and now plays a key role in public safety, sustainable agriculture, water security, space weather, as well as renewable energy.
With its advanced technology, NCM delivers innovative services aligned with the UAE’s development goals.
Dr. Ahmed Habib, meteorologist at the NCM, explained, “The meteorology department includes general forecasts, marine forecasts, climate forecasts, aviation forecasts and numerical forecasts.”
These divisions work in tandem to ensure accurate and actionable insights are available to both authorities and the public. The general forecasts department is particularly vital. It monitors temperature, humidity, wind and rainfall, in addition to dust and fog.”
The department not only forecasts but also conducts post-event analysis of severe weather. “We are a team specialised in studying severe weather conditions that could affect the country. We start by forecasting the situation and end with scientific analysis after the event,” he added.
Despite technological advancements, Dr. Habib stands by human analysis, “The primary analysis is done manually by forecasters. We prefer human analysis because it is more accurate in reading weather maps.”
The centre’s efforts are especially crucial during emergencies, where it works closely with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority to guide decisions like school closures or port suspensions.
“Everything we do here is directed toward one goal: protecting people and society from any weather hazard. Forecasting is not a luxury; it is a great responsibility,” he concluded.
Eisa Alsereidi, Acting Head of the General Meteorology Section, said, “We are responsible for monitoring any weather conditions that may affect the country and informing the relevant authorities early.”
The centre issues five-day forecasts for optimal accuracy. “The further we extend the forecast period, the less accurate it becomes,” he explained. The department operates around 140 automated stations, transmitting updates every 15 minutes.
These are supported by satellite imagery and seven weather radars capable of tracking cloud formation and rainfall intensity.
This infrastructure enables “the issuance of accurate warnings to the public and relevant authorities,” especially during rapidly evolving situations such as the development of cumulus clouds.
“Meteorology is not just a theoretical science; it also relies on field experience and an understanding of the local characteristics of each region,” Alsereidi said.
The UAE’s economy and lifestyle are deeply linked to the sea, making marine forecasting a key function.
Maryam Al Shehhi, Head of the Marine Forecasting Section, stressed the importance of daily updates. “We send regular forecasts and alerts to UAE ports and fishermen’s associations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.” Marine forecasts also play a critical role in events such as the Historic Dalma Racing Festival.
“Based on our forecasts, the organisers determine the appropriate day for the race,” she said, noting the safety implications.
Marine data is collected from over 140 stations and marine buoys, with support from AI-driven models that produce forecasts up to seven days ahead. One new innovation allows real-time tracking of sea conditions along a ship’s entire route, not just at departure and destination points.
“Our website allows the public and sea users to track real-time marine conditions and forecasts.” Supporting agriculture through weather insights is another area of expansion.
Alreem Almaskari, meteorologist from the Agricultural and Hydrological Meteorology Department, explained, “We monitor all factors that may affect crops - heat waves, cold or frost - and send warnings to farmers when permissible limits are exceeded.”
The team uses automated weather stations to collect soil temperature, solar radiation, and moisture levels. Some stations also monitor plant growth, allowing precise timing for irrigation and fertilisation.
“There are fertilisers that cannot be used if the soil temperature is high because they have adverse effects,” she said.
