Maldives to introduce impact-based weather forecast system
Minister Thoriq explained that the new system will provide detailed predictions not only about weather patterns but also their direct impacts on communities.
Environment minister Thoriq Ibrahim announced Thursday that an impact-based weather forecast system will soon be implemented in the Maldives to better assess and respond to the effects of severe weather events.
Speaking at a press conference at the President's Office, Thoriq shared the ministry’s latest initiatives to enhance the country’s weather monitoring capabilities.
Currently, the Maldives National Weather Service focuses on recording and disseminating standard weather forecasts. However, the introduction of an impact-based forecast will allow authorities and residents to anticipate the specific consequences of extreme weather conditions.
Thoriq explained that the new system will provide detailed predictions not only about weather patterns but also their direct impacts on communities.
“For example, if a storm develops or heavy clouds gather, this system will identify what kind of damage it might cause—whether there will be flooding, wave surges, or damage to specific areas of a village. It will enable us to assess how far the impact will extend,” he said.
This proactive approach will help the Maldives prepare better for natural disasters, mitigating risks to infrastructure, property, and human lives. The minister revealed that the system would be fully operational within the next six years.
In addition to the impact-based forecasting initiative, the ministry is working on several infrastructure upgrades to improve the country’s meteorological capacity:
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Radar repair and network expansion: The Ministry is actively working on repairing existing weather radars and expanding the network to cover a wider geographical area.
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Lightning detection network: A lightning network will be installed to monitor real-time lightning activity, a critical component in storm forecasting.
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Automatic weather station repairs: Ongoing efforts are underway to repair malfunctioning automatic weather stations to ensure continuous and accurate data collection.
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Upgrading weather stations: Existing weather stations will be upgraded to improve data accuracy, resilience, and connectivity with the broader network.
The implementation of the impact-based forecasting system aligns with the Maldives’ broader strategy to strengthen disaster preparedness and build resilience against climate change.
