Network densification strategies for Automatic Weather Stations: Challenges and opportunities for Uganda

Abstract

Access to quality, accurate and timely weather information is important. In order to improve weather information quality and quantity, increasing the number of operational Automatic Weather Stations, also referred to in this document as densification should be prioritized. In this paper, we provide research findings of a survey conducted from November 2014 to January 2015 to ascertain the status of weather stations in Uganda. Weather station density was found to be sparse and yet many of the available weather stations were non-functional. Based on the distribution of available operational weather stations, we are proposing densification strategies including climatological zones, security and land policies. To achieve sustainability of the weather stations, we commend improving human resources aspects among other things.