MSS is a division under the National Environment Agency. It provides various weather information and forecasts in support of our national needs. Our Functions and our Operational Systems:
Our functions are:
- To make, collect, process and exchange weather observations
- To provide weather forecasts and data for aviation, shipping and the public
- To conduct research and development to enhance its services
- To compile and archive climatological records of Singapore
- To promote and participate in international cooperation programmes in meteorology
Our Operational Systems include:
METEOROLOGICAL DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM
The Meteorological Data Collection System consists of
- a national weather observational network and
- the Regional Meteorological Observational and Telecommunication Network.
The latter facilitates the regional exchange of weather data collected by national meteorological services in the region.
National Weather Observational Network - Weather data in Singapore is obtained through a national network of observational stations. The network is shown in the map below :-
Exchange of Regional Weather Data - Meteorological data exchange with other national meteorological centres in the region is carried out through the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) of the World Meteorological Organisation(WMO). The Singapore National Meteorological Center is linked to its counterparts in the neighbouring countries by medium to high-speed telecommunication circuits which form part of the Regional Telecommunications Network of the GTS (see picture below).
Regional Telecommunications Network of the GTS
Operational meteorological data for aviation are exchanged through the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN). The AFTN links telecommunication centres of major airports in the region.
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METEOROLOGICAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM
MSS makes use of the Meteorological Data Processing System consisting of a large array of computers to process about 100Mb of meteorological data received daily from its national data collection network and the regional telecommunication network. Various forecasts are prepared for use by the public, aviation and shipping communities. The meteorological data, which vary from day to day, are also archived.
The Meteorological Data Processing System consists of hardware and application software to carry out the various operational tasks. The hardware include a NEC SX4 supercomputer, 2 Fujitsu M1600 mainframes, a number of mini-computers (Fujitsu DS90s, Sun server, Vax), workstations (SUN sparcs, Silicon Graphics) and a network of PCs.
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METEOROLOGICAL DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
The MSS Meteorological Data Communication System facilitates the flow of meteorological data from the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) and the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) via high-speed computer links, including telex, to the Front-End Message Switching Computer System and the Fujitsu mainframe computer and Sun servers for processing.
Data collected from electronic equipment such as the Weather Satellite Receiving System, Weather Radar and the automated Rainfall Collection System are also being sent to the mainframe computer and Sun servers for further processing.
Weather data and processed information such as weather forecasts can be viewed on graphic workstations by the forecasters. Various are being made available to users, including the public.
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