By Success Sei Kamara
The Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet) joined the global community to celebrate World Meteorological Day under the theme, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.” The annual event highlights the importance of meteorology in safeguarding lives, supporting sustainable development, and building resilience against climate change.
Speaking on AYV’s ‘This Day Program’, Deputy Director General for Operations, Gabriel Kpaka, said SLMet has made significant progress in developing a national weather observation network. The Agency now operates over 77 meteorological stations nationwide, providing services in agrometeorology, marine meteorology, aviation meteorology, and hydrometeorology, supporting farmers, coastal communities, air transport, and flood management.
Mr. Kpaka also highlighted SLMet’s digital transformation, including the launch of its official website, www.slmet.gov.sl, which enables data sharing with regional and international meteorological institutions. The Agency has developed a communications strategy to improve public awareness of weather and climate risks, enhance early warning dissemination, and promote climate literacy nationwide.
“Through these efforts, the Agency is ensuring that weather information is not only accurate but also understood and actionable by all sectors of society,” Mr. Kpaka said.
SLMet emphasized that every weather observation contributes to disaster risk reduction, food security, safe transportation, environmental protection, and climate adaptation. The Agency called on government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and the public to support and utilize meteorological services as a key pillar for national development.
“Together, by observing today, we protect tomorrow,” the Agency said.
