Vaisala at the Beijing Olympics

Reliable weather information will play a key role at the Beijing Olympics. In order to provide the organizers and athletes with accurate and versatile weather information, the Beijing Meteorological Offices (Aviation Meteorological Office and Civil Meteorological Bureau) have upgraded their weather observation network in the metropolitan area with Vaisala equipment.

New weather equipment has also been installed at the main stadium and other venues.

During the past two years, Vaisala has delivered 25 weather stations, 21 road weather stations, an aviation weather solution, two windprofilers and several weather transmitters and present weather instruments to the local Beijing Meteorological Offices. The total value of the deliveries is 3.5 million euros. The new equipment will continue to serve as part of the metropolitan weather observation network after the Olympics.

Precise weather information at the venues
Reliable information on current weather conditions as well as approaching fronts is essential at the venues. Vaisala’s compact weather transmitters are located at various venues to provide precise, realtime temperature, humidity, pressure, precipitation and wind data. Additional present weather and visibility instruments serve athletes and organizers at the tennis center and rowing stadium. The new automatic weather station at the main Olympic stadium is part of the regional weather observation network that measures approaching large-scale weather fronts and transmits the information to the Beijing Meteorological Offices for forecasting purposes.

Smooth traffic flow prerequisite for successful games
The road network in the metropolitan Beijing area has been renewed and upgraded for the Olympic Games. Vaisala’s automatic road weather station network ensures the local authorities have real-time information on the weather conditions to help manage the traffic flow.

The new terminal and runway at Beijing International Airport are ready to serve the increase in air traffic. Vaisala’s aviation weather solution, installed on the runway, provides air traffic control, pilots and airport maintenance crews with versatile weather information. Wind and visibility information is, for instance, vital to ensure safe take-offs and landings.

Vaisala has provided weather observation systems to previous Olympic games in Sydney, Salt Lake City, Athens and Turin.

Author: Liisa Ahtiluoto, Vaisala, Finland