WeatherBug has entered into a partnership with Northern Ireland Electricity, BT and UTV New Media to create a sophisticated weather station network -- called a mesonet -- in Northern Ireland.

 

The weather stations will be integrated into the WeatherBug (News - Alert) worldwide weather network. These stations will provide real-time weather information to NIE and assist in planning and preparation for severe weather that could impact the electricity network. According to Jeremy Usher, managing drector of WeatherBug Europe, the company’s experience in the energy and utilities industry has shown that live weather intelligence and alerts from a mesonet of weather stations can benefit energy traders and electricity producers, distributors and operators with their decision making.

 

The infrastructure will create the first network of professional-grade automated weather stations in Northern Ireland and provide NIE with critical weather data that can gauge wind gust and sustained wind severity and other critical weather trends in advance. NIE will thus get a more comprehensive view of the prevailing weather conditions throughout Northern Ireland.

 

As per the terms of the agreement, more than 30eather stations will be built and maintained. These weather stations will provide NIE access to real-time weather observations, customized weather alerts and other operational information through the use of a web-based weather Command Center.

 

According to Stephen Harper, NIE duty incident manager, weather conditions in Northern Ireland change constantly. This causes difficulties for NIE as its electricity network is mostly held on overhead lines that are vulnerable to damage from storms or severe weather. The new WeatherBug system will be able to provide an up-to-the-minute and localized picture of evolving weather conditions. The system will also alert NIE if there are extreme gusts of wind, rainfall or icy conditions and enable it to monitor changing conditions on the ground and respond appropriately.

 

The creation of the WeatherBug network will significantly empower those who require accurate weather data in Northern Ireland. The severe weather alerts quickly predict actual events like imminent downpours, high winds, fog and freezing. It is possible to provide the data on phones, computers and bespoke devices according to need.

 

UTV New Media will provide the broadband services for the weather stations to communicate NIE’s weather data on to UTV Internet. BT (News - Alert) Wholesale, a provider of communications solutions and services will provide broadband end user access to UTV Internet’s ISP network.

 

WeatherBug observes, organizes and distributes the most precise global weather intelligence.