PAGASA-DOST (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration Department of Science and Technology) said that a Doppler radar will be installed in two years time in Aparri, Cagayan.
Doppler radar, weather radars, will not only pinpoint the location and intensity of rainfall but also examine inside clouds and measure the wind speed and direction.
Engr. Leo L. Bunag, Officer-in-Charge of the Northern Luzon PAGASA Regional Services Division explained that the Doppler radar in Aparri, Cagayan is one of the Doppler installation projects of DOST-Pag-asa which is a part of the P500 million Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) grant to PAGASA.
Bunag added that the installation of Doppler radar site in Aparri will improve the accuracy of PAGASA’s weather forecasts.
The Doppler radar would make it possible to identify where rains occur and track the center of a typhoon, and Pag-asa weather staff in Northern Luzon can already release weather forecasts and “nowcast” in the area. [via PIA]