Southeast Asia first for HK Observatory

The Hong Kong Observatory today (May 24) became the first meteorological service in Southeast Asia to use a high efficiency, automated system for measuring the upper atmosphere over Hong Kong.

The Automatic Upper-air Sounding System brings the measurement of upper-air in Hong Kong into a new era, said the observatory's Assistant Director, Dr Lee Boon-ying.

Since 1921, the observatory has been using meteorological balloons to record information for weather forecasting and aviation. While some procedures have been automated in the past few years, staff members have still had to manually fill and launch balloons every day, regardless of weather conditions.

Dr Lee said the new system eliminated the need for manual operation and enhanced the safety and efficiency of the observatory's work.

The observatory conducts upper-air measurements three times a day, at 8am, 2pm and 8pm, at the King's Park Meteorological Station.

Each measurement involves the launch of a meteorological balloon, about one-metre in diameter, carrying a radiosonde.

The radiosonde helps determine the wind direction, wind speed, temperature, humidity and pressure at various heights in the atmosphere, sometimes up to 30,000 metres. The information is radioed back to ground and is essential in the preparation of public, aviation and marine weather forecasts.

Ends/Monday, May 24, 200