Reliable weather information plays a key role at Beijing Olympics. To provide accurate and versatile weather information to the organizers and athletes, 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 about current weather conditions as well as on approaching fronts is essential at the venues. Vaisala's compact weather transmitters are located at various venues to provide precise, real-time 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 of metropolitan Beijing area has been renewed and upgraded for the Olympic Games. Vaisala's automatic road weather station network ensures that the local authorities have real-time information on the weather conditions to manage the traffic flow.

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

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

Vaisala is a global leader in environmental and industrial measurement, providing services, products and solutions for meteorology, environmental sciences, aviation, traffic and industry. Built on science-based innovation, advanced technology and over 70 years of experience, Vaisala is committed to providing a better quality of life through environmental measurement. Headquartered in Finland, Vaisala employs over 1100 professionals and is listed on the Nordic Exchange, Helsinki. www.vaisala.com