Weather forecast accuracy reaches 80 per cent: DHM

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 24: Do you check a weather app before leaving home for the office to see what the day will be like, or to stay updated on changing weather conditions?

These days, most people are aware of daily weather conditions, because smartphones have made such information easily accessible. Many now rely on mobile apps that provide real-time updates, as well as forecasts for the next seven days. 

This growing access to weather information has made it easier for people to plan their daily activities and stay prepared for sudden changes in weather.

According to Dr. Archana Shrestha, Acting Director General at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), this year, the DHM’s forecast accuracy has improved to around 80 per cent for temperature, floods and rainfall. 

Within this context, the 76th World Meteorological Day was observed on Monday across the world with the slogan, “Observing today, protecting tomorrow.”

In Nepal, the day was observed with various programmes aimed at raising awareness about the importance of meteorological knowledge. 

Accurate weather information plays a crucial role in reducing the loss of life and property caused by natural disasters such as snowfall, floods, landslides and heavy rainfall.

Forecasts issued during festival periods and major events -- such as the recent House of Representatives elections -- highlight the progress made by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) in recent years. Increasingly, people are relying on these forecasts when planning or carrying out important activities.

Weather services also help farmers protect crops and carry out agricultural work more safely, while supporting safer air and land transport. In addition, they are highly valuable for sectors such as tourism and hydropower, as well as for everyday planning.

Dr.  Shrestha, Acting Director General at DHM, said that in the recent years with the advanced technology, modernasization and investment in the sector were making the hydrological and meteorological forecasting more efficient and accurate. 

She stressed that forecast accuracy has improved. 

However, sustained investment in infrastructure and maintenance remains essential to ensure long-term reliability.

“Currently, DHM operates more than 700 stations, including over 400 automatic meteorological stations,” said Dr Shrestha. “We also have radar stations and real-time, data-base services, and have invested in this sector to provide more reliable and accurate data.”

She added that the number of stations above 3,000 metres remains limited. “In the future, we plan to install more stations in high mountain areas,” she said, adding that the department collects both observed and non-observed (model-based) data, including heat and non-heat parameters.

“We have the technology, but to sustain and improve it, we need further investment in both technology and human resources,” she added.

To better manage the country’s diverse terrain, the department is expanding its network of automated stations and restructuring its workforce to include more specialised technical officers. 

According to her, DHM also aims to strengthen climate resilience by introducing extended seven-day forecasts and delivering more localised services through regional offices in six provinces, while in Bagmati Province the central office provides the information.