China's meteorological satellite, Feng Yun-2 D, was positioned
on Friday to offer dimensional cloud charts for more precise
weather forecasts, together with Feng Yun-2 C, which is already in
service.
The Feng Yun-2 D, launched in December 2006, would work with
Feng Yun-2 C from Friday, and the twin satellites would offer
weather observations of the whole country every 15 minutes, said a
China Meteorological Administration (CMA) spokesman.
Chinese satellites used to send back cloud pictures for weather
forecasts every hour or half an hour at most during the flood
season.
The updates of cloud pictures every 15 minutes would allow
weather forecasters to have a closer watch over weather changes,
said the spokesman.
The cloud pictures provided by both satellites would be better
in quality and precision, as charts offered by the twin satellites
were more like a moving film while those pictured by a single
satellite were slides.
China urgently needed accurate forecasts to take precautions
against extreme weather in times of frequent weather-related
disasters, a meteorological official said earlier.
Vice Premier Hui Liangyu cited "enhanced forecasts" earlier this
week, while calling for greater efforts in flood control and
disaster relief amid a season of heavy rain and flooding alongside
the Yangtze River.
The Beijing weather bureau has pledged to improve its accuracy
in weather forecasting for the looming 2008 Olympics.
(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2007)