THE Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Baguio Complex Station recently launched on its radiozone for its first upper air observation.
Radiozone is a balloon-like equipment, which has the capability to observe and collect data of all weather parameters such as the temperature, air pressure, rain and thunderstorms in the different layers of the atmosphere.
Chief Metrological Officer Engr. Hilario Esperanza explained the data being collected during the observation is immediately transmitted to Pagasa central office in Quezon City, which they process and analyze to be used in weather forecasting.
He told Sun.Star Baguio the data still have to be transmitted because the local station still does not have the capacity to interpret it.
The equipment was provided by the Pagasa central office as part of the modernization of equipment of the local station.
Esperanza added the radiozone, among all other weather monitoring equipment, is most beneficial because the data collected can immediately be transmitted and are more accurate because of the layer-by-layer data capacity.
Since June 1, the complex station has been continuously conducting the upper air observation twice every day at 8am and 8pm.
Aside from weather forecasting, Esparanza said the data collected and interpreted at the Pagasa central office can be accessed by the public for research purposes.
Before the use of radiozone, the Pagasa Baguio Complex Station used pilot balloon for upper air monitoring which according to the chief officer was less advanced than the radiozone.
Aside from the radiozone, the complex station has radars, sypnotic station and agrometrological station for more intensive weather monitoring in the city and more accurate forecasts to the public.
Congress recently approved House Bill 4397 seeking to modernize the weather bureau to enhance its services.