2026 World Meteorological Day Activities Launch - Fengyun Meteorological Satellites' International Users Span 133 Countries and Regions

Daily Economic News Reporter | Li Biao Daily Economic News Editor | Xu Shaohang

Beijing, March 21 — On March 21, the China Meteorological Administration and the China Meteorological Society launched the 2026 World Meteorological Day activities in Beijing. This year’s World Meteorological Day, on March 23, marks the 66th anniversary, with the theme “Observe Today’s Weather, Protect Tomorrow’s Home.”

Focusing on this year’s theme, the China Meteorological Administration mobilized social forces across various sectors to organize rich and diverse science popularization activities nationwide. These activities center on monitoring, forecasting, early warning, and disaster reduction for extreme weather; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and meteorological empowerment for high-quality economic and social development. Local meteorological departments tailored activities to local characteristics, targeting different scenarios and audiences, promoting meteorological science to government agencies, schools, rural areas, communities, and enterprises. The goal is to enhance the capacity of governments at all levels and the public to prevent disasters, utilize climate resources scientifically, and continuously improve the brand influence, impact, and leadership of China’s meteorological science popularization.

On the launch day, the China Meteorological Administration’s campus was open to the public. Visitors explored meteorological observation sites and science popularization zones, engaging in interactive activities, quizzes, and check-ins, immersing themselves in the practical achievements of meteorology empowering various industries.

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Image: Scene from the event, photo by Li Biao, Daily Economic News

At the scene, a device called “Lightning Locator” attracted many visitors’ attention. It is an instrument used to detect the intensity, direction, frequency, and changes of lightning strikes.

Image: Total Lightning Locator, photo by Li Biao, Daily Economic News

What is the purpose of collecting lightning data? According to现场工作人员, the data reported to the China Meteorological Administration can be used in urban planning, aerospace, petrochemical industries, forest fire prevention, and other fields. “For example, collecting lightning data for a city over three consecutive years might reveal that a certain area experiences frequent lightning. When planning the city, it’s better not to place hospitals or gas stations in those areas. Also, if a particular period during the year has high lightning activity, large events should be avoided.”

The staff further explained that in forest fire prevention, lightning data can help locate strike points and fire sources for extinguishing.

The China Meteorological Administration states that it continues to enhance global monitoring, forecasting, service, and governance capabilities. Its Fengyun meteorological satellites are used by 133 countries and regions worldwide. The emergency disaster response time for key Belt and Road regions has been reduced to 45 minutes; the “Mazu” early warning system has been implemented in Mongolia, Djibouti, and other countries, supporting cloud-based applications in over 40 countries globally.

Cover image source: Photo by Li Biao, Daily Economic News