Retorts

Weather Watching

The Meteorological Services Act 1990 came into force on 1st September 1990. Under Section 2(1)(c) the Minister of Transport had the duty to "ensure ... the promotion of the advancement of the science of meteorology".

On 1st July 1992, section 2(1)(c) was repealed by the Meteorological Services Amendment Act 1992. It was not replaced.

The weather is difficult to understand. There are so many variables. We have only a few years of good information and experience. Much is not understood, particularly El Niño. Our weather is particularly difficult. New Zealand is set in the water hemisphere with its narrow profile presented to the flow of weather from the southwest.

Because of our remoteness, satellite photos are particularly helpful. The satellite photo is taken in infrared which is sensitive to small gradations of heat. We know the sea temperatures off the photo.

The satellite shows the time of each photo. Time is crucial to a forecast. A succession of photos, say two hours apart, shows speed and direction. The time of each weather photo is shown on the TV in the UK. Why is the time removed in New Zealand?

Also, when the whole country is covered in cloud extending over half the Tasman, the only clue provided is part of the coast of Australia. I challenge anyone to guess where Fairlie is to within 400 km. When cloud cover is total, the television should outline the coast. When and where on the photo is news. This is not a forecast but good, hard fact -- censored.

Farmers are vitally concerned with the science of meteorology. Each farmer should have a rain gauge and make a careful, determined study of the weather. Recently we had heavy snow in North and South Canterbury. But what has me worried is sleet at lambing time.

A big sheep full of wool can last several days in deep snow, particularly if there is not much wind, but sleet is a terrible shock. A new-born lamb goes down like a hammer.

Each farmer is doing shepherd work when he watches the TV weather photo. Maybe that speckled bright cloud on the screen could be sleet? When was the photo? Is it heading straight for my lambs? Should I get my flock under shelter?

The words of section 2(1)(c) of the Met Act have been repealed, but what is the real attitude to education and the prevention of accidents? How long will it take to get the time on the TV photo? How much does the Government promote the advancement of the science of meteorology?

Geoffrey Broadbent, Paeroa