A new state-of-the-art weather observation station was officially inaugurated on June 4, 2026, in Huye District, Ngoma Sector, Ngoma Cell, Karubanda Village, marking a significant milestone in Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen climate monitoring and weather forecasting.
The station was established through the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), a global initiative aimed at helping countries address the impacts of climate change by improving weather observation systems, enhancing data collection and processing, and ensuring timely access to meteorological information and early warning services. The program operates in 60 countries worldwide, including Rwanda.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, the Minister of Environment emphasized the importance of safeguarding the facility to ensure it continues serving both Rwanda and the broader African region.
“This station is located on our territory, and we have the responsibility to protect and maintain it. Its role extends beyond Rwanda, as it provides information that benefits neighboring countries and the region as a whole. We must ensure it continues to serve its intended purpose,” she said.
According to Dr. Védaste Iyakaremye, Director of Observation, Data Analysis and Archiving at Meteo Rwanda, the newly commissioned station represents a major technological advancement in weather observation. Unlike conventional weather stations that collect atmospheric data at an altitude of up to 10 meters, the new facility can gather measurements from atmospheric layers reaching up to 40 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
The station is capable of monitoring a wide range of atmospheric conditions, including humidity, wind patterns, rainfall content within clouds, temperature, and other key meteorological indicators.
Dr. Iyakaremye explained that the facility introduces a new level of observation capability by collecting data over long distances and at much higher altitudes.
“This station is significantly different from those we previously had. While traditional stations collect data up to 10 meters above the ground, this one reaches up to 40 kilometers in altitude and can monitor atmospheric conditions within a radius of 500 kilometers from its location. This makes it valuable not only for Rwanda but also for neighboring countries and the wider global meteorological community,” he said.
He further noted that the station will improve the reliability and accuracy of weather forecasts by complementing existing meteorological infrastructure across the country. The additional data collected will enhance forecasting models and support more informed decision-making.
Beyond weather forecasting, the station’s observations are expected to benefit various sectors, including aviation. Its ability to collect atmospheric data from altitudes above the flight levels commonly used by aircraft will provide valuable information for aviation safety and operations.
Data collection is conducted twice daily, at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., in synchronization with observation times used worldwide. The information is immediately shared internationally, allowing meteorological agencies across the globe to combine data and generate a comprehensive picture of global weather conditions.
The newly inaugurated facility becomes only the second station of its kind in Africa, joining a similar installation located in Morocco.
The station is expected to play a critical role in scientific research, agriculture, climate studies, and both short- and long-term development planning. Although recently commissioned, it has already begun supplying meteorological data to neighboring countries, with observations being transmitted immediately after collection to support regional weather forecasting and climate monitoring efforts.
