World Met Day observed

Today is being celebrated as World Meteorological Day. The Belize Met Office says that this day is intended to focus public attention on certain aspects of weather and how it affects the environment. New Five spoke with Chief Meteorologist Justin Hulse about this year’s theme, which he says is particularly relevant to Belize.

Justin Hulse, Chief Meteorologist

“Each year this day represents the coming in of the force of the Convention as the World Met Organization as part of the United Nations. And this occurred in 1950 on the twenty-third of March and that is why we celebrate it. And each year we pick a theme of current interest. And for this year we picked the theme, “Weather, Climate and Health”.

This one is good in that it highlights the devastation that occurred because of Mitch and the problems we have been having with health.”

While there are many health issues affecting countries worldwide, Hulse says that the most acute problem in neighboring countries is air pollution.

Justin Hulse

“Belize isn’t really affected by smog. It’s more like the industrialized places like Mexico City where they have a lot of cars. The atmospheric situation is that they keep this smog in and all the pollution just keeps there. The place looks kind of grayish. The sky looks kind of grayish and that is bad for health.”

While smog does not really affect Belize, hurricanes can. Hulse says Belizeans should not become complacent.

Justin Hulse

“This year is expected to be almost like last year. And so we are expecting the same amount of hurricanes and tropical storms to develop and much the same like last year. And we still have to keep a watch for a big storm in late October. You could never tell because all it needs is one hurricane to do the damage.”

Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.

Yesterday was celebrated as World Water Day under the theme, “Everyone Lives Downstream”.