South African Weather Service
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is the meteorological service under the South African government's Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. SAWS is a member of the World Meteorological Organization.
| National Weather Service overview | |
|---|---|
| Type | Public |
| Jurisdiction | Meteorology |
| Headquarters | Pretoria 25°53′26″S 28°10′15″E |
| Parent department | Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism |
| Website | www |
Under the South African Weather Service Act (No. 8 of 2001) effective 15 July 2001, SAWS became a public entity.[1]
Data acquisition
Weather stations
South Africa operates a significant number of weather stations in South Africa as well as stations at Gough Island, Marion Island and Antarctica in cooperation with the South African National Antarctic Programme.[2]
Weather radar
Near real-time (~5 minutes delay) weather radar is available for most of the country,[4] even within the Kruger National Park.[5]
Marine weather buoys
Between 30 and 40 drifting weather buoys are deployed annually.[2]
Weather modification
The SAWS, in cooperation with a number of other entities, is actively involved in weather control research under the South African National Precipitation Research and Rainfall Enhancement Programme, specifically with the Bethlehem Precipitation Research Project[6][7]
References
- "S A Weather Service Act (8 of 2001)". The Presidency of South Africa. 29 June 2001. Archived from the original on 3 December 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
- "Weather Program". South African National Antarctic Program. Archived from the original on 28 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
- "Meteorological Station Location Information". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
- "Radar Home". South African Weather Service. Archived from the original on 18 December 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
- Nick Zambatis and Lynette Strauss. "Radar Station Completed". Siyabona Africa Travel. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
- "The Bethlehem Precipitation Research Project". South African Weather Service. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
- "South African National Precipitation Research and Rainfall Enhancement Programme (NPRP-SAREP) 1990 - 2000". South African Water Research Commission. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
