Weather watch: Chief Executive Donald Tsang visits the Hong Kong Observatory.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has lauded the Hong Kong Observatory for enhancing its weather forecast accuracy. He says he is glad it will use advanced technology to support the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Visiting the observatory today, Mr Tsang was briefed on its work, particularly its pivotal role of research and development in the provision of weather services.

He was told that the observatory's Nowcasting System will support the specialised weather forecasting service for the Olympics. A trial version will be shipped to Beijing this summer for a preliminary demonstration.

To support the Olympic equestrian event in Hong Kong, the observatory has also developed a system to monitor a horse's heat stress, and will collect the necessary climatological data starting this summer.

"The Olympics is an important event for our country," Mr Tsang said. "I am glad the observatory will use advanced technologies to serve the country and Hong Kong."

Weather service

While visiting the Central Forecasting Office, Mr Tsang watched a replay of the sequence of weather events during the approach of Typhoon Chanchu last month.

"It is important to predict accurately the movement of a tropical cyclone so that workers and students can plan their transport arrangements as early as possible."

Mr Tsang then visited the observatory's television studio to see how a single professional meteorologist produced an entire weather programme. He said television weather programmes brought observatory colleagues closer to the public.

"It is the main channel of weather information for senior citizens. I appreciate the observatory's effort to meet the needs of the community."