THE government plans to install two new weather radars in Dodoma and Kilimanjaro regions to further enhance climate monitoring.

Currently, weather radars are operational in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Mtwara, Mbeya and Kigoma regions and the installation of the new radars will bring the total number of radars across the country to seven.

Minister for Transport Professor Makame Mbarawa unveiled this on Wednesday here during training on radar meteorology.

Organised by Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the training aimed at enhancing the skills of meteorologists and forecasters in using radar data for weather forecasting.

He highlighted the critical role of weather and climate in Africa’s economy, especially in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fishing, tourism, energy, and transport.

He pointed out that recent disasters, including extreme weather events, have caused significant loss of life and property, making effective weather observation and early warning systems essential for protecting vital sectors.

“For example, on Lake Victoria alone, between 3,000 and 5,000 deaths occur annually due to accidents caused by extreme weather,” he said. 

He underscored the need for improved early warning services in the region, stating that quality radars are crucial for revolutionising weather forecasting and enabling more precise forecasts of changing atmospheres on land and water bodies.

Dr Eunjin Choi from WMO Education and Training Department emphasised the importance of weather radar systems in modern meteorology. She explained that the advanced tools provide real-time data essential for accurate weather forecasting and understanding atmospheric conditions.

The training offered an opportunity to enhance technical skills and exchange knowledge among meteorologists.

TMA acting Director General Dr Ladislaus Chang’a commended the government’s commitment to investing in meteorological infrastructure which plays a crucial role in preventing disasters due to the accuracy of forecasts.