888888 Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism MINISTRY WMO RA1 Workshop on Automatic Station (AWS) networks: the challenges of Automation Of Meteorological Observation, Windhoek , Namibia 19-21 November 2018 Botswana’s presentation presented by: Phorego Morwamang

OUTLINE Introduction Automation status of surface observing network Experience and lessons learned Issues and challenges Needs Expectations from the workshop Conclusion

INTRODUCTION DMS Mission and Vision MISSION VISION The Department of Meteorological Services exists to provide quality meteorological information and advisory services for the protection of life and property and for sustainable development. VISION A modern weather service that nurtures and harbours innovation and creativity in the provision of quality weather and climate information.

AUTOMATION STATUS OF SURFACE OBSERVING NETWORK IN BOTSWANA 888888 AUTOMATION STATUS OF SURFACE OBSERVING NETWORK IN BOTSWANA The Botswana Meteorological Services (BMS) has a network of 23 AWS across the country. 15 acquired through Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) project From the 15 AWS ten (10) transmit data through GSM, and five (5) transmit through satellite 6 AWS purchased by BMS 2 were donated by Botswana Power Corporation In addition to 23 AWS BMS has 4 AWOS BMS has automated about 30 rainfall stations

AWSs INSTALLED THROUGH SASSCAL

BMS AWS NETWORK

DMS AUTOMATED SYSTEM Goodhope AWS and Automatic Rain Gauge (ARG) at HQ

SENSORS

AWS measured parameters Air temperature Humidity Soil temperature (30cm) Wind (direction and speed) Atmospheric pressure Solar Radiation Precipitation Leaf Wetness sensor 15min averages and instantaneous measurements *Other parameters can be deduced from the above e.g. evaporation, dew point temperature etc

EXPERIENCE AND LESSONS LEARNED AWS needs frequent maintenance to minimise faults AWS are cheaper compared to manual Stations. E.g. setting up an AWS is less costly compared to a manned station. Data quality is not dependent on the observer (reduces or eliminates human error) Stations may be erected in remote areas Data is available even out of normal working hours The quality of data is available almost on real time basis which can be used for weather forecasting purpose / Disaster management etc. Station status can be monitored at a centralized location The frequency of the data can be increased as per the need of the user.

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES The loss of data due to sabotage (Theft of solar panel, Battery etc.). Loss of data due to poor or unavailability of network service Natural causes (destruction by wild animals or veld fires) Shortage of resources (funds, transport) for regular maintenance Site hosts tend to develop the area within a short period hence compromising the standards Loss of data bundles due to unauthorized external access. Difficulty in troubleshooting transmission due to complicated data path. Inadequate training on AWS systems

DATA FLOW FROM AWS

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NEEDS Independent network path from the Government Domain Network. Dedicated maintenance budget Expect training on AWS systems There is need for more AWS network for increased coverage We need a centralised real time AWS monitoring system Capacity building – data management, engineers/technicians

Expectations from the workshop Capacity building and training of maintenance personnel Funding By the end of the workshop we will have solution to some of the challenges

CONCLUSION Spatial coverage is still a problem, especially in the Desert Additional funding is needed to enable regular maintenance of AWS

THANK YOU KE A LEBOGA