Belize Weather Bureau: Location And Services

The National Meteorological Service of Belize is located at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville. The National Meteorological Service is the country's leading authority on weather and climate, providing meteorological and climate-based products and services to the Belizean public. The service has a long history dating back to 1887, when meteorological observations were recorded by various individuals and organizations. Today, the National Meteorological Service plays a crucial role in protecting life and property, as well as contributing to the social, economic, and physical well-being of the people of Belize.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize is located at Philip Goldson International Airport, Ladyville

The National Meteorological Service of Belize is located at Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville. The service was established in 1972, evolving from the country's first official weather observing station set up by the U.S.A. Weather Service in the early 20th century.

The National Meteorological Service is the leading authority on weather and climate in Belize. It provides meteorological and climate-based products and services to the public, with a focus on data monitoring, collection, analysis, and timely dissemination of user-friendly reports and forecasts. This includes general weather forecasts, marine forecasts, and agricultural services.

The service plays a crucial role in protecting life and property by providing advance warnings and information to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and relevant authorities in the event of an emergency. It also contributes to the country's sustainable development and the safety and well-being of its citizens.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize has come a long way since its early beginnings, and today, it boasts a staff of 27 members, including meteorologists, forecasters, and technical specialists. The service utilizes modern technology and prediction models to provide accurate and timely forecasts, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Belizean community.

The National Meteorological Service provides forecasts for the public, maritime and aviation interests

The National Meteorological Service of Belize is the country's leading authority on weather and climate. The service provides forecasts for the public, as well as for maritime and aviation interests.

The National Meteorological Service's mission is to protect life and property and contribute to the social, economic, and physical well-being of the Belizean people. To achieve this, the department maintains a network of weather-observing stations, a Doppler Weather Radar, and an upper-air observing station. The service has 27 staff members, including six meteorologists trained at the BSc level or higher, two electronic technicians, and three forecasters.

The National Meteorological Service provides the public with general weather forecasts three times daily. These forecasts include wind speed and direction, day and night-time air temperature, advisories and warnings, and astronomical conditions. In addition, the service issues marine forecasts twice daily, providing mariners with information on wind speed and direction, air and sea temperature, wave height, small craft cautions, and warnings.

The National Meteorological Service also plays a crucial role in aviation safety and efficiency. They provide timely and accurate forecasts once daily to air traffic control and, when necessary, offer individual weather briefings to pilots on potential disruptions to flight paths.

Beyond these services, the National Meteorological Service offers specialised support to the agriculture sector. They provide early warnings and hazard alerts to farmers, food producers, and government agencies to help manage and plan for plant and animal health and safety risks.

The Service also provides specialised agricultural services

The Belize Weather Bureau, also known as the National Meteorological Service of Belize, is located at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, Belize.

Specialized Agricultural Services

The Service provides specialized agricultural services to support the agriculture value chain. These services are aimed at maximizing production and efficiency while reducing the risk of pests and diseases. Agro-Products are offered to assist farmers, food producers, government agencies, and other agencies in managing and planning for plant and animal health and safety risks. This is achieved through early warning systems and hazard alerts, which help to reduce the impact of pests and diseases on crops and livestock.

The Service's outlooks offer a general probabilistic guide to expected rainfall and temperature during specific periods. Additionally, daily weather discussions and monthly weather summaries are provided to help authorities prepare for and respond to emergencies. These summaries are crucial for mitigating the impact of weather-related events on Belizean society.

The NMS Belize utilizes the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) numerical prediction model, which is run twice daily. This model provides 3-hourly rainfall and 10-meter wind forecasts to the general public, contributing to their decision-making and planning.

The Service's agricultural services extend beyond pest and disease management. They also assist in optimizing production and efficiency. By providing data and forecasts tailored to the agricultural sector, the Service empowers farmers and food producers to make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and managing their operations. This can include guidance on irrigation scheduling, crop selection, and animal husbandry practices, all aimed at maximizing yields and minimizing losses.

Furthermore, the Service's agricultural services contribute to food security in Belize. By providing accurate and timely weather information, the Service enables farmers and relevant authorities to make informed decisions about crop and livestock management, thereby enhancing Belize's food production and resilience in the face of climate variability and change.

The National Meteorological Service was established in 1972

The National Meteorological Service of Belize was established in 1972. The organisation is the country's leading authority on weather and climate, providing meteorological and climate-based products and services to the Belizean public.

Meteorological observations in Belize date back to 1887, with observations recorded by individuals and organisations such as the Surgeon General, Agriculture, and the Forestry and Civil Aviation Departments. In the early 20th century, the U.S.A. Weather Service established a weather observing station in Belize City, marking the beginning of official weather observations in the country.

In 1958, Belize, then known as British Honduras, became a member of the regional meteorological service administered by the Federal Government of the Federation of the British West Indies. Belize was part of the Western Caribbean region, which also included Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, and was administered from the main meteorological office in Jamaica.

In 1966, the Civil Aviation Department of Belize hired its first professionally trained meteorological officer, who was tasked with developing a National Meteorological Service. Over the next six years, public and aviation forecasting responsibilities were gradually transferred from the forecast office in Jamaica to the Belize office. In 1967, local weather forecasts began to be broadcast directly from the Belize meteorological office, under the name Belize Weather Bureau.

Finally, in 1972, the Meteorological Office in the Civil Aviation Department was upgraded to the National Meteorological Service in the Ministry of Energy and Communication. The new department was charged with developing specialised services in the areas of agrometeorology, climatology, and hydrometeorology, while also maintaining traditional aeronautical and public weather forecasting. The National Meteorological Service was relocated to a new building that housed a 10cm weather radar for tracking tropical storms. With the support of the World Meteorological Organization, networks of climatological, agrometeorological, and hydrometeorological stations were established across the country.

Today, the National Meteorological Service of Belize continues to provide essential meteorological and climate-based services to the nation, contributing to the safety, well-being, and sustainable development of Belize and its people.

The Service has 27 staff members, including 6 meteorologists and 2 electronic technicians

The National Meteorological Service of Belize is the country's leading authority on weather and climate. The Service's office is located at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, Belize.

The Service has a dedicated staff of 27 members, including:

• 6 meteorologists with BSc-level or higher qualifications
• 2 electronic technicians
• 3 forecasters
• Remaining personnel, including meteorological assistants, electronic technicians, administrative staff, and maintenance staff

The team's diverse skill sets and areas of expertise are instrumental in fulfilling the Service's mission of providing the Belizean public with accurate and timely meteorological information.

The senior staff, comprising meteorologists and electronic technicians, play a pivotal role in utilising their scientific expertise to monitor, analyse, and forecast weather patterns. They are supported by the forecasters who prepare and communicate daily weather updates. Meanwhile, the remaining personnel contribute in various capacities, such as administrative tasks, maintenance, and specialised support, to ensure the smooth operation of the Service.

Together, this dedicated team works cohesively to uphold the National Meteorological Service's commitment to safeguarding the safety and well-being of Belize's citizens and supporting the nation's sustainable development through the provision of reliable meteorological information and forecasts.

Frequently asked questions