APARRI, Cagayan, April 8 (PIA) – Expect a more accurate and dependable weather forecast in the country, particularly along Northern Luzon.

This after the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Atmospheric, Geo-Physical, Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAG-ASA) established one of the four Doppler radar systems in this municipality which is expected to be inaugurated any time this year.

“The system is equipped with the latest weather monitoring technology with a range of 400 kilometers as against the old equipment which can only reach half of the distance,” DOST Director Urduja Tejada, said.

Also, the old equipment stationed at Barangay Punta, this municipality could only track rainfall compared to the newly installed system which can estimate wind velocity and the amount of rainfall within its area.

“That would allow us to forecast rainfall in a given area based on the data gathered by the equipment,” Leo Bunag of PAG-ASA said.

Despite this development, Bunag admitted there are still old radar system in Daet, Zamboanga, Palawan and Batanes.

To date, the country have established nine Doppler radar in the country including those in Baguio, Baler, Subic, Tagaytay, Virac, Cebu, Surigao, Virac, General Santos, Samar and Hinatuan.

PAG-ASA said all data monitored by the various Doppler radar send their monitoring results direct to Manila for consolidation.

Bunag clarified that the system is now functional even if it awaits inauguration.