What technology does PAG-ASA use now?

PAG-ASA is proud to claim that it uses the “latest” computer programs in predicting the atmospheric weather as well as related environmental phenomena. It is currently using the “Mesoscale Model 5” (MM5) version 3 which was developed by the National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado, USA in cooperation with Pennsylvania State University. MM5 is used by PAG-ASA to simulate on a larger scale any atmospheric disturbances affecting the Philippine region and adjacent areas including tropical cyclones, monsoons and other weather anomalies. MM5 requires the use of Portland Fortran Compiler.
(Source and related link: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/)

The MM5 is a limited-area, nonhyrdostatic, hydrostatic, terrain-following sigma coordinated model developed to simulate and predict regional-scale atmospheric circulation. This fifth generation mesoscale model is an open source program which was developed and further improved by program codes contributed by the various users,
Another software model PAG-ASA uses is the “High Resolution Model” or HRM. It was developed by the Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD) in the Meteorological Office of Germany and is meant for 3-day short-term forecasts. HRM employs equations and variables such as temperature, wind speed, humidity and pressure in determining the state of the atmosphere. However, PAG-ASA isn’t the one with the capabilities and technology to collect atmospheric data and process them into forecast. Instead, the global forecast is done by DWD in Germany and the information affecting the Philippine area of responsibility is sent to PAG-ASA on a regular basis. PAG-ASA uses a Preginet server in downloading data from the DWD website twice a day. Downloading time takes about 70 minutes for a 78 hour forecast using 8 dual processor XeonEM64T, 512 MB memory, 2.4 mHz. HRM is also written in Fortran 90 and requires Intel Fortran Compiler (IFC) as its compiler program. PAG-ASA uses Debian as its Linux Operating System for its HRM.
(Source and related link: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/)

There are also other forecasting models used by PAG-ASA for different purposes. Amongst them are:
(a) Wave Model developed by MeteoFrance called VAG Model (1987) which is used to predict behavior of the ocean waves;
(b) ETA Model initially developed by Yugoslavia in the 1970’s with upgrades until 1991, is used to simulate weather conditions covering the entire archipelago and adjacent areas
(c) Storm Surge Model developed by Japan Meteorological Agency and is used to simulate and predict storm surges.

PAG-ASA currently utilizes 36 forecast stations covering the entire country.
(Sources and related link: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/)

This only tells us that Information Technology (IT) becomes a valuable aspect in the field of weather forecasting. It is also this same reason why PAG-ASA should not just settle for what it currently has. Technology and Innovation are fast-pacing commodities nowadays and with the ever changing and improving computer hardware, software and programs, PAG-ASA must be aware and adoptive to these IT developments available because they are essential components of accurate weather forecasting service. Inaccuracy is becoming an unacceptable excuse given the sprouting improvements in Information Techonolgy nowadays.

But what benefit is it to generate the most accurate information about the weather condition if such cannot be timely communicated by PAG-ASA to the concerned authorities and the general public at stake? Information technology plays an important role in establishing communication network. Presently, PAG-ASA uses the mass media through the radio and television in delivering the latest weather bulletin to the public. The popularity of the internet as well as mobile communication supported-weather services also provided alternative means in knowing PAG-ASA’s forecasts.

However, despite these channels, it’s more probable that during actual calamities, electricity and communication lines may be down or greatly interrupted like what happened in the recent Ondoy incident when unavailability of electricity supply made it difficult to relay information and coordinate disaster control measures. And so therefore, it’s a great challenge for PAG-ASA to keep-up in enhancing its weather forecasting capabilities and to establish an integrated communication network system that will help gather real time inputs and disseminate crucial weather advisories to inform the public and coordinate with the authorities preventive as well as disaster management activities such as evacuation, rescue and relief operations. universities, government laboratories and meteorological agencies worldwide. The MM5 is supported by several auxiliary programs which are mostly written in Fortran and collectively known as the MM5 modeling system. In addition, what’s good about the open source approach for MM5 is that PAG-ASA can use it for free since it is provided and supported by NCAR to every user for free although there are some licenses needed for the use of the compiler. Program documentations are also available online.
(Source and related link: http://www.mmm.ucar.edu/mm5/overview.html)