Weather Stations

The CSI Rain Gauges and Weather Stations

The collection of up-to-date and reliable weather data is crucial for climate modeling and disaster risk preparedness. The HRI has already installed four rain gauges in strategic points across the Port-à-Piment watershed, including one climate monitoring station in the town of Port-à-Piment (see map). This station collects and reports hourly data on wind speed and wind direction, relative humidity, ground and air temperature, solar radiation, precipitation, and soil moisture. It is powered by solar panels and sends all the data to a server in real time via satellite.

All incoming weather data is open to be the public and can be viewed or downloaded on the HRI Rain Gauge website.

In 2011, three additional watersheds, Coteaux, Les Anglais and Port-Salut, will be added to the rainfall and climate monitoring system. Hydrological data will also be collected along the river so that the CSI team can build prediction models of water flow dynamics.  The new data will enhance and complement the rainfall information already available for the CSI area.  As flooding is a real and serious threat to infrastructure, livelihoods, and environmental and social stability, all the data collected will be used to develop climate prediction models as part of local early warning systems and community decision-making tools.

Currently there are four rains stations installed in or near the Port-à-Piment watershed, and there are plans to install more in neighboring communes of the South Department. Weather stations provide vital real-time data on weather events in the watershed, with useful applications in both the immediate term and in longer-term planning.