One of the functions of Air Traffic Services is to provide aircrew both inbound to and outbound from the Grantley Adams International with the current meteorological conditions at and in the vicinity of the airport. The Air Traffic Services is supported in the provision of this service by the Barbados Meteorological Service.
The Aviation Weather services provided to airline representatives, aircrew and air traffic controllers, in fulfillment of a requirement by the International Civil Aviation Organization, have been established and maintained for in excess of 30 years.
Routine Observations and Reports
The Meteorological Service provides hourly routine observations and reports referred to as METAR. The reports are disseminated both locally and internationally and contain the following elements:
- Identification of the type of report
- Location indicator (four letter identification code of the airport)
- Time of the observation
- Surface wind direction and speed
- Visibility
- Present weather
- Cloud amount, cloud type(only for cumulonimbus and towering cumulus clouds)and height of cloud base
- Air temperature and dew-point temperature
- QNH (atmospheric pressure in hectopascals)
In addition to the above, the Meteorological office will provide special reports (SPECI) on any significant changes in weather conditions as necessary.
The Meteorological information that is provided is essential to international air navigation and as a consequence there is an excellent working relationship between the Meteorological Office and the Air Traffic Services.
Additional Information on the Meteorological Office can be found at www.agriculture.gov.bb
