The Hellenic National Meteorological Service uses Vaisala's weather observation systems
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) chose Vaisala weather observation systems in order to provide high level meteorological services during the Athens Olympic and Paraolympic Games.
Vaisala and the Hellenic National Meteorological Service signed a contract in 2002. Under the contract it was agreed that Vaisala will supply twenty weather stations, a meteorological data management system, radiosondes and sounding equipment for HNMS. The order was based on the weather service needs of the Athens Olympic and Paraolympic Games. The Vaisala weather observation systems were installed and taken into use last year.
Fast, reliable and extensive weather information for organizers and the publicThe weather observation network consists of 20 Vaisala weather stations and a meteorological data management system. The weather stations are located in close vicinity to the event venues. The weather stations provide data that is saved and processed by the data management system. The network performs approximately 150,000 weather observations a day.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service collects the observation data every ten minutes to provide accurate weather information for Athens Organizing Committee (ATHOC), media, other public organizations as well as the general public. The weather information covers wind speed and direction, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, rainfall and insolation at the event venues.
Weather is an important consideration in major sports events. Acceptable records can only be achieved within specified limits, i.e. in given wind conditions. Also the comfort and well-being of the athletes and the public benefit from the weather services.
The weather station data is also used for twelve hour weather forecasts in addition to the daily soundings. HNMS uses Vaisala radiosondes and ground equipment for their upper air observations.
After the conclusion of the Olympic and Paraolympic Games the weather stations will be relocated to be part of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service's main observation network. Vaisala's weather observation systems were also used in the Sydney Olympic Games as well as in the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.