Enhancing Meteorological Forecasting in Odesa

The Mayor of Odesa, Hennadiy Trukhanov, held a meeting with Viktor Syty, the director of the Hydrometeorological Center of the Black and Azov Seas, to discuss important meteorological forecasting issues.

During the dialogue, the parties reviewed the timeline of the emergency situation and the potential for enhancing cooperation between meteorological services and local authorities.

Viktor Syty emphasized that the Center currently operates 12 weather stations, only four of which are marine. However, the existing equipment does not provide sufficient detail; for instance, while the stations can detect cloud cover, they do not accurately predict precipitation amounts.

The director of the Hydrometeorological Center mentioned that southern regions, particularly coastal cities, require more accurate data that modern locators can provide, similar to those already installed in Lviv and Kyiv with government funding.

“The radius of action of Finnish equipment is up to 300 km, which could cover the entire southern region, including Vinnytsia. We have already reported this to the central authorities. Such equipment is costly but extremely necessary for accurately determining precipitation amounts and potentially preventing tragedies,” he stressed.

Following the meeting, the Mayor instructed his deputies, in collaboration with the Hydrometeorological Center, to prepare a technical specification and justification for the need to install such a locator in Odesa.

Additionally, Hennadiy Trukhanov plans to reach out to sister cities requesting support for this initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of the residents.

“It is crucial for us that the weather forecast is as complete and accurate as possible, as this information is vital for local authorities. Based on meteorological data, we formulate our emergency response plans and subsequent actions,” the mayor emphasized.