Cyprus Meteorological Service to Introduce Artificial Intelligence for Predicting Severe Weather

The Meteorological Service of the Republic of Cyprus is preparing a major modernization that will make it possible to use artificial intelligence for more accurate forecasting of extreme weather events. The plan also includes upgrading equipment, strengthening cybersecurity and creating a modern early warning system.

One of the key projects will be the installation of a new satellite data reception system costing 460 thousand euros. It will provide real-time meteorological information and will form the basis for projects applying artificial intelligence in agriculture and in the early warning system for emergencies. The technology will also help improve the efficiency of an experimental system for detecting forest fires.

Another 265 thousand euros are planned to be allocated to protect critical information systems from cyberattacks. The meteorological service notes that disruptions to these systems could affect civil defense, aviation and emergency alert services. In addition, compliance with European cybersecurity legislation is mandatory.

The strategic plan includes 11 areas of development. These include the consolidation of all meteorological service departments into a single center, replacement of equipment at the airports of Larnaca and Paphos, installation of new weather stations across the island, introduction of specialized forecasts for agriculture, expansion of the specialist staff and the creation of a free platform with open access to meteorological data for residents, researchers and businesses.