Tag:
National Meteorological Service
Weather
Saharan dust causes hazy skies over Ambergris Caye
The sky over San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, has been hazy and dusty for the past few days because of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) from the Sahara Desert in northern Africa. This phenomenon is also responsible for the current heat wave. The National Meteorological Service has advised the public to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities as much as possible, particularly during afternoon hours.
Government
The National Meteorological Service of Belize Engages in the Readiness Phase of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility
Belize, through the National Meteorological Service (NMS) within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, has been selected as one of the first countries globally to benefit from the World Meteorological Organization's (WMOs) Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF).
Government
Ministry of Economic Development Continues to Implement Science and Technology in Rural Farming
On November 15, 2022, the Ministry of Economic Development, through the Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) Program, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Meteorological Service (MET) of Belize for subcomponent 2.3 of the RRB ─ Investment in Territorial Climate Resilient Assets. This calls for the procurement of a Climate Information System (CIS) that will be housed at the MET Office in Ladyville and used as the principal mechanism through which information about climate will be archived, analysed, modelled, exchanged, and processed.
Environment
Unexpected influx of Sargassum invades San Pedro beaches
On Wednesday, August 24th, residents on Ambergris Caye were surprised to see the beaches full of Sargassum. The previous day the shoreline appeared free of the brown algae; just hours later, the beaches were choked with the brown seaweed, with more expected in the coming days.
Government
Ministry of Rural Transformation Trains Staff in Geophysical Water Detection Techniques
On July 11, 2022, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government embarked on a five-day training session on geophysical water detection techniques using electrical resistivity technology. The training is being provided for the Rural Water and Supply Unit and some of the Rural Community Development Officers. Representatives from the Hydrology and Geology departments, the National Meteorological Service, the National Climate Change Office and the Belize Social Investment Fund are also participating.
Weather
National Mereorological Service of Belize Hosts 10th National Climate Outlook Forum
The National Climate Outlook Forums (NCOFs) serve as a key national platform for promoting regular dialogue and inter-agency coordination in responding to natural hazards, climate variability, extremes and change. The event was held as a part of implementing the key principles of the Global Framework for Climate Services at the national level through the NMS’s initial stage of the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS). It will aid participants in preparing for the remainder of the 2022 wet season and integrate climate information into operational and strategic decision-making in the agriculture sector and other climate-sensitive sectors.
Weather
Safety Measures Advisory for Farmers in Flood Prone Areas
The low-pressure system in our area presents potential threats to the agriculture sector, particularly to some southern regions of Belize where a flood alert has been issued by the National Meteorological Service. To mitigate the possible effects of flooding, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise hereby advises all farmers in low-lying and flood-prone areas to safeguard their families and livelihoods as needed.
Community and Society
Sargassum returns to the beaches
As tourism continues in Belize, the first waves of Sargassum are starting to beach along the Belizean Caribbean coastline and cayes. According to the National Meteorological Service, the latest observations projected from March 9th to the 22nd show an increase in the brown algae near Belize. The forecast indicates the possibility of a medium to high chance of more Sargassum polluting the beaches.
