kathimerini.gr
HNMS Upgrades Weather Forecasting System with New Technology and Funding
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) is upgrading its weather forecasting system with 103 new weather stations, three new weather balloons, and seven new radars, funded by the "Aegis" program and "Greece 2.0", providing hyperlocal real-time alerts down to the municipal level.
- What is the immediate impact of the HNMS's infrastructure upgrade on Greek citizens?
- The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) is significantly upgrading its weather forecasting capabilities with 103 new surface and upper-atmosphere weather stations, 80 atmospheric data recording systems, 10 ship weather stations, and 10 portable stations. Three new weather balloons, providing real-time atmospheric data, will enhance accuracy and timeliness of severe weather warnings. This upgrade is funded by the "Aegis" program and the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
- How will the "Aegis" program and the "Greece 2.0" plan fund and improve the HNMS's capacity for weather forecasting?
- This modernization, funded by the "Aegis" program (6.2 million euros for one project and 23.56 million for another) and the "Greece 2.0" plan, will fully digitize the HNMS, transmitting data via high-speed lines and 4G networks. The improved infrastructure includes 30 hydrometric stations, satellite data receivers, lightning detectors, and seven new weather radars, improving nationwide coverage. Data processing will be centralized at HNMS and a backup in Larissa.
- What are the long-term implications of this upgrade for the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasting in Greece?
- The enhanced system will provide hyperlocal, real-time weather alerts down to the municipal level, up to four hours in advance. The new radars will provide complete national coverage. The inclusion of maintenance contracts addresses past equipment failures, ensuring the long-term functionality of the upgraded infrastructure. Citizens will access radar data via a dedicated HNMS mobile app.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the positive aspects of the upgrades, highlighting the technological advancements and increased accuracy of weather predictions. The headline (if it existed) likely would focus on the positive impact on citizen safety. The use of quotes from EMY officials reinforces the positive narrative. While mentioning some past problems, this is downplayed in favor of the positive aspects of the modernization effort.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, though phrases like "a giant leap" and "a significant upgrade" suggest a somewhat enthusiastic and optimistic tone. This is not inherently biased, but it could affect the reader's perception by emphasizing the positive aspects of the modernization without fully acknowledging potential challenges.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the new equipment and funding for the Greek National Meteorological Service (EMY), but omits discussion of potential challenges in integrating the new systems, training personnel, or ensuring equitable access to information for all citizens. While acknowledging the age of existing equipment, it doesn't delve into the specific limitations or past failures of the old systems, limiting a comprehensive understanding of the improvement.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the improvements, focusing primarily on the technological upgrades without adequately addressing other factors that contribute to effective weather forecasting and emergency response (e.g., human expertise, communication strategies). It implies that new technology alone will solve the problem of accurate and timely warnings.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article describes a significant upgrade to Greece