DOHA: Majority of citizens and residents are not happy with the performance of Qatar’s weather bureau, shows an online survey.
Most respondents to the weekly survey conducted by Al Sharq felt that there is a need to upgrade the technology at the Meteorology Department and improve skills of staff working there.
As high as 67 percent of the respondents have doubts about the accuracy of daily weather forecast issued by the department, who said it is not up to the mark.
However, 32 per cent said it is “good” while one per cent didn’t express any opinion.
Asked “how do you find the efforts of the department with regard to its forecast/warnings,” 75 percent of the respondents said “not good,” and 24 percent said “good”.
An overwhelming majority — 94 percent — believes the department needs an overhaul and should improve its performance.
Reacting to the survey, Dr Mohammed Al Muslamani, a member of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) said the department should try to maintain more accuracy and transparency to win confidence of the citizens.
During summer, people find the temperature shown in their cars higher than that officially announced by the department. The weather bureau should explain the reasons to the people to build trust, he said.
The weather forecast is highly important because many families follow it while travelling to neighbouring countries. More importantly, during summer, companies will closely follow the daily forecast to adjust their outdoor works accordingly.
“Using more advanced equipment will help in improving accuracy,” said Al Muslamani.
Ahmed Al Hamily, a Qatari fisherman said he had found at least 90 percent of the forecasts accurate.
“I have found most of their forecasts about rain, dust winds and weather changes coming true. We cannot expect 100 percent accuracy since it is in the hands of God,” said Al Hamily.
He advised motorists and people going to the sea to closely follow the warnings to avoid mishaps. The Peninsula
