Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service (LHMS) has recently acquired modern upper air sounding equipment, which will enable operative access, processing and presentation of reliable information on weather conditions and, thus, more accurately predict the weather. These data will identify a number of natural and catastrophic events, to avoid human casualties and material losses. More accurate weather forecasts will ensure greater public safety.
According to LHMS, currently existing meteorological observation system is able to assess the basic meteorological information and climate change, but the service does not have access to short-term weather, flash flood and high rain water forecasting. The precise, high-quality forecasts help better prepare for adverse weather conditions, to prevent material damage or even loss of life. However, forecasts that don‘t come true, often lead to public dissatisfaction with not only due to change of plans, but also for pre-funding. For these reasons, the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service is constantly investing in the modernization of the weather observation network and introduction of new technologies, collaborate with foreign organizations. To enable the assessment of ambient air quality, and predict natural and catastrophic events the high quality and more frequent meteorological data meaasurements in real time are required. Use of radiosondes is the only way to directly and accurately measure the meteorological data of the Earth atmoshere.
Darius Imbrasas, CEO of „Elsis TS“, when asked what benefits will provide the upper air sounding equipment, says: „Information on air temperature and humidity, wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure at ground level is used to process digital weather and environmental polution forecasts. Weather forecast is very important for aerospace, automotive, rail and sea transport sectors, energy, municipal and environmental organizations, agricultural and forest farms, fire and rescue services. In addition, the date obtained makes it possible to assess the long-range transboundary air polution, carry on research of atmospheric processes. All this helps to prepare for disasters and take preventive measures“.
„Elsis TS“ CEO emphasizes software features of radiosonde equipment: „The used world‘s leading meteorological equipment manufacturer‘s „Vaisala“ software enables to manage and control upper air sounding process much easier. In addition, the system ensures that LHMS will receive for processing and presentation routine meteorological information realiably and safely“. The system consists of ground equipment and more than a thousand radiosondes with meteorological latex balloons. „Atmospheric radiosonde equipment will measure atmospheric pressure, air temperature, relative humidity, wind direction, speed, other parameters. This will allow more accurate and reliable weather forecasting, dangerous phenomenon, their quantitative characteristics. The system also will help LHMS determine where and when catastrophic situations can take place,“ – Darius Imbrasas claims.
About upper air sounding equipment
Upper air sounding equipment – one of the most important project “Lithuanian meteorological observation network modernization” phases. The system consists of a ground-based equipment (antenna, receiver, computer data processing) and 1187 radiosondes with meteorological 500 grams latex balloon. Equipment manufacturer – “Vaisala Oy” (Finland). The system has been put in place by UAB “Elsis TS”, belonging to the group of ICT companies “Elsis”. Hydrometeorological monitoring network equipped with modern measurement equipment will create prerequisites for predicting the weather, floods, droughts, water shortages, to develop specific forecasts to assess water, air and soil pollution, promptly inform the population and other institutions about extreme events.