Buyelwa Sonjica, Minister of Environmental Affairs, will launch a new radar network at South African Weather Service office at 11h00 on Monday, 29 March 2010.
Weather radar plays a vital role in enhancing adaptation tools and products such as the Severe Weather Forecast project and the flash flood guidance system that the organisation is leading with an effort to minimize loss of life and damage to property in events of severe weather.
Currently, the South African weather radar network consists of 12 radars located across the country. This network has been used extensively in the past in various weather predictions, storm identification and aviation applications. Although useful, the existing radars lack Doppler capabilities.
With the introduction of Doppler radars, the movement of storms can also be detected, providing better now-casting during severe storms.
Media is invited to attend.
Radar launch details are as follows:
Date: Monday, 29 March 2010
Venue: South African Weather Service building, 442 Rigel Avenue South, Erasmusrand.
Starting time: 11h00
To RSVP contact:
Ms Hannelee Doubell
Tel: 012 367 6104
Cell: 072 222 6305
E-mail: hannelee.doubell@weathersa.co.za
Judith van der Merwe
Tel: 012 310 3309
Cell: 083 321 2617
E-mail: jvdmerwe@deat.gov.za
Moses Rannditsheni
Tel: 012-310 3901
Cell: 082 448 2450
E-mail: MRannditsheni@deat.gov.za
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Munyadziwa Rabambi
Tel: 012 367 6086
Cell: 082 525 1092
Roopa Singh
Tel: 012 310 3566
Cell: 082 225 3076
Albi Modise
Tel: 012 310 3123
Cell: 083 490 2871
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
24 March 2010
