More accurate weather forecasts with upgraded radars — Pagasa

The upgrading of five radars has helped the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) improve weather forecasting and allowed authorities enough time to prepare for approaching destructive typhoons, the country’s chief weatherman said yesterday.

Nathaniel Cruz, weather bureau chief, said the five upgraded radars are in Aparri, Cagayan; Baguio City, Benguet; Baler, Quezon; Virac, Catanduanes; and Guiuan in eastern Samar.

"Some parts of the radars were replaced to make them more accurate," Cruz said. He said further improvements in weather forecasting are expected with the planned acquisition of a Doppler radar system which is more accurate and can spot approaching typhoons on a three-to-four hour basis instead of the usual 24-hours.

He said the bidding process for the Doppler radar is ongoing. Two earlier biddings failed because the potential suppliers failed to meet the requirements set by Pagasa, he added.

Cruz said the developed radars can track the direction of a typhoon every 30 minutes.

"A new radar costs P40 million," Cruz said. "The price of modernizing the five radars reached P12 million."

Cruz also said that the Department of Science and Technology recently approved the setting up of the same facility in Cebu City.

"Hopefully by mid-next year we can install the equipment. The project costs P20 million,’’ he said.

Also part of Pagasa’s effort to improve weather forecasting is the upgrading of the information technology system of its regional offices, Cruz said. Science Secretary Estrella Alabastro, Undersecretary Graciano Yumul, and Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz Jr. initiated the IT upgrade project.