2026 World Meteorological Day Activities Launched, Fengyun Meteorological Satellites Have International Users Across 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 various sectors of society to participate. They organized meteorological departments across the country to conduct rich and diverse science popularization activities tailored to local characteristics, targeting different scenarios and audiences. These activities aim to promote meteorological science to government agencies, schools, rural areas, communities, and enterprises, enhancing the public’s ability to prevent disasters, utilize climate resources scientifically, and adapt to climate change. The efforts also seek to continuously improve the brand influence, impact, and leadership of China’s meteorological science popularization.

On the day of the launch, 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, experiencing firsthand how meteorology empowers various industries.

“”

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 period during the year has a high incidence of lightning, large-scale events should be avoided during that time.”

The staff further explained that in forest fire prevention, lightning data can help locate strike points and identify 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 international users in 133 countries and regions. The disaster emergency response time for key areas along the “Belt and Road” has been reduced to 45 minutes. They have developed the “Mazu” early warning system for the entire population, with related products implemented in countries like Mongolia and Djibouti, supporting cloud-based applications in over 40 countries worldwide.

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