About Us
Mandate
To monitor, predict and provide information and weather and climate, that would contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country.
Objectives as derived from our mandate are as follows:
- To monitor ,analyse and predict weather and climate. The thrust of this objective is to ensure that the weather forecast is produced for early warning purposes. This information is vital for advisory in natural disaster early warnings.
- To provide weather and climate data and information for various socio-economic sectors such as Aviation, Agriculture, Water, Marine, Construction industry, insurance, Tourism, Health, sports and Recreation.
- To carry out research and development that would improve quality of weather and climate data and information for the general public. The focus is to carry out research for all aspects of meteorology, inter alia, the general public through mass media.
- To establish and maintain a well-equipped network of Met stations. This Objective intends to ensure that meteorological data and information is reliable, timely and up to date.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
“To provide reliable, responsive and high-quality weather and climate services to meet national, regional and international obligations through timely dissemination of accurate and up to-date data and information for socio-economic development.”
Our Vision
“A Responsive Nation to Weather and Climate Change Impacts”
Our Organisational Structure
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, is led by the Office of the Director (Dr. Lucy Mtilatira). The department comprises three main divisions: Engineering and Communications, Climate, Climate Change, and Research, and Forecasting and Observation, each overseen by a Deputy Director.
The Engineering and Communications Division is responsible for maintaining the department's weather monitoring infrastructure, which includes weather stations and communication networks. This division ensures the smooth operation of meteorological equipment, facilitating the accurate collection and transmission of weather and climate data. Under the divison there is Engineering and ICT Section
The Climate, Climate Change, and Research Division is dedicated to providing climate services to various sectors within Malawi and beyond. It collaborates with local and international partners to promote research projects that enhance the understanding of weather, climate variability, climate change, and related fields, contributing to policy development and decision-making. Under this division there is the climate, Research, Climate Change, Aviation services, Public weather and Agrometeorological sections.
The Forecasting and Observation Division is tasked with collecting, analyzing, and disseminating weather forecast and warnings. This division employs advanced forecasting tools, including models, to deliver accurate and timely weather forecasts, issue warnings for severe weather events, and provide climate predictions. The National Met centre (Forecasting ) and Observation are the sections under this division.
Our History
The history of meteorological data collection in Malawi dates back to the 1890s when records were kept by administrators at the BOMAS, missionaries, farmers, and individuals. Initially, stations were set up along the Shire River and in the Shire Highlands, primarily focusing on logistics rather than technical aspects.
1940s - present
In the mid-1940s, a systematic network of stations was established under the meteorological authority, initially driven by the need for aviation weather services. Over time, other sectors such as agriculture, forestry, water resources, and education recognized the value of meteorological data. As a result, the Meteorological Department transitioned to considering technical aspects and specific user needs when establishing new stations. This shift aimed to build a consistent and purpose-driven network, catering to the requirements of diverse development projects in Malawi.