Poem Meron Getnet

For the first time in Ethiopia, detailed weather forecasting has begun at the city level.

We have also heard that the work has started in Addis Ababa city.

The Ethiopian Meteorological Institute has informed us that it has started providing daily weather forecasts for all sub-cities in the city.

From now on, the weather in each of Addis Ababa’s districts will be analyzed daily. 

According to the institute, the forecast information previously provided to Addis Ababa city was aggregated information like that of any other city in the country.

He indicated that the institute has been developing and working on a model to provide city-level forecasts due to the need to provide forecasts at the city level in terms of the city’s size, economic and social benefits.

Ato Tareken Abera is the Chief Executive Officer of the Integrated Sector-Based Meteorological Service at the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute.

According to him, the model for national weather forecasting and the model for city-level forecasting are different; the smaller the area covered by the forecast, the more reliable it becomes.

Ato Tarekne indicated that the model currently being developed for Addis Ababa is taken from the UKmet model, which is known for providing urban weather forecasts, and the UK government has shown interest in supporting the work.

The head of the department said that no additional equipment was needed to make the city forecast, apart from assigning experts, and that the data will be available on the Meteorology Institute website and other options.

Accordingly; Today's forecast for Monday, August 5, 2017 shows that moderate rainfall of 15 to 29 millimeters is expected in Addis Ababa areas, according to the institute's forecast information.

On the other hand, it is predicted that there may be more than 30 millimeters of rainfall in some areas of Akaki Qaliti Sub-city.

The institute warned that while the moderate rainfall will help increase the flow of water into the ground, it could cause moderate flooding, especially in flood-prone areas of Addis Ababa, combined with frequent moisture, the institute warned.

It said that precautions should be taken by cleaning flood drainage channels and preparing flood diversion channels in these areas. 

According to the forecast information, we have heard from the institute that rainfall of more than 30 mm is above normal.