𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐌 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

…𝒖𝒑𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚

By Kezang Choden

The National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) has successfully completed the planned relocation and upgradation of four Class A meteorological stations for the 2024-2025 financial year. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the country’s meteorological infrastructure, enhancing its capacity for accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and data-driven decision-making.

The four upgraded stations- Phuentsholing, Tangmachu, Sibsoo, and Mongar- have been fully equipped with state-of-the-art meteorological instruments, meeting the standards set by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The project involved relocating the Phuentsholing and Tangmachu stations to more suitable sites to improve data accuracy and reliability. Additionally, the facilities at the Sibsoo and Mongar stations have been upgraded to improve their performance and align with international best practices.

The final milestone was achieved with the completion of equipment installation at Tangmachu on April 17, 2025. With the new instrumentation in place, all four stations are now capable of efficiently archiving and transmitting high-quality meteorological data. This capability is crucial for weather prediction, disaster preparedness, and long-term climate studies. The initiative reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening its resilience against climate change and extreme weather events. By investing in advanced meteorological infrastructure, the country aims to improve services for the public and various stakeholders who depend on accurate weather and climate data for decision-making.

NCHM officials confirmed that the upgradation and relocation of meteorological stations were executed according to the financial year plans. There are currently over 90 meteorological stations across the country, ensuring comprehensive weather monitoring in all regions. Each dzongkhag now hosts at least one Class A meteorological station. These stations are managed and maintained by the Center’s dedicated staff to ensure reliable, continuous operations.

An official from NCHM explained that in the past, some stations did not meet the WMO’s required 21 by 21-meter setup, which ensures accurate data collection. Challenges, including land availability and infrastructure limitations, had prevented many stations from fulfilling these requirements. However, efforts are underway to upgrade all stations to meet international standards. The transition to Micro-step equipment and systems has been facilitated by staff training, making the upgrade process more efficient.

The official emphasized that addressing these gaps will improve the accuracy of weather forecasts and strengthen early warning systems nationwide. “The manual is expected to provide clear guidance on station upgrades, including new technology incorporation, the transition to automated systems, and enhanced data collection capabilities. When relocation is necessary, the manual will outline steps such as planning, site preparation, equipment transfer, and ensuring data continuity,” the official stated.

The NCHM remains committed to expanding and upgrading its network of stations to enhance weather monitoring, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience initiatives.

Social media continues to offer significant benefits for public information and advocacy, particularly in disseminating timely weather updates. NCHM officials have emphasized the role of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram in providing real-time weather information. These platforms play a critical role in helping communities prepare for adverse conditions by issuing early warnings and practical advice. Social media has proven vital in preventing accidents and hardships, especially during the monsoon season and unpredictable storms.

“With broader access to mobile devices and the internet, important weather updates can now reach thousands of people within minutes,” said an NCHM official. The NCHM encourages citizens to follow verified weather pages and government social media accounts to stay informed. Community participation is crucial, as sharing official updates among family and friends further reduces risks and enhances preparedness.

The use of social media for weather advocacy highlights the growing role of technology in everyday life and demonstrates how digital platforms can be leveraged for the greater good. NCHM officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening online communication to ensure accurate and timely information reaches all corners of the country, safeguarding lives and property.

The information gathered by the upgraded stations will help farmers better understand weather patterns, optimize irrigation, and manage crops more effectively. Lakdhan Rai, a farmer from Salamjee Chiwog in Tsangkha Gewog, Dagana Dzongkhag, shared his experience, saying he relies on weather forecasts to plan his farming activities. “I always check the weather forecast before working on my fields. It helps me decide the right time to plant and harvest. Because of this, I have been able to improve my vegetable production and secure better yields,” Rai explained.

With ongoing efforts to strengthen weather forecasting and data sharing, many farmers like Rai are hopeful that they can further enhance their practices and build resilience against changing climatic conditions.

NCHM has outlined major plans for the upgrade and relocation of weather stations during the 13th Five-Year Plan. An official from NCHM stated that the Gasa Dzongkhag project will be the focus in the coming financial year. Over the next three years, several stations will be upgraded and relocated to meet WMO standards. The official added that although some activities have been delayed due to challenges such as heavy workloads, the center remains committed to completing the projects according to international standards. New sites will be carefully selected to minimize environmental impact.

Despite challenges such as budget constraints and lengthy processes within the system, NCHM remains optimistic about delivering the planned projects. Once the weather stations are upgraded and relocated, they will significantly enhance the accuracy of daily weather forecasting, benefiting the general public as well as key sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, and aviation.