This is a small note telling some photos taken during the campaigns at Laoag, Philippines, and at Kototabang or Bukittingi, Indonesia have been uploaded in “Photo Gallery” page. Please enjoy.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Today I left Laoag earlier than my colleagues a little bit.
I enjoyed much my stay there. Of course, in terms of observation we could do what we planned. But frankly speaking, I have another reason for my excitement.
Laoag is a special place for me personally, as I feel like a kind of nostalgia from its name. In Japan, Japan Meteorological Agency broadcasts weather reports for southeast Asia through radio once a day at 16:00 (it used to be three times per day; 09:10, 16:00, and 22:00), so that anyone can draw a weather chart on a blank weather map. A report from Laoag is sometimes sent out only when the report from Basco is not available. When I was a high school student, I drew weather chart for over two years every day. Indeed, I missed to draw only 3 days or so. Anyway, when I could hear the name of Laoag, I thought something happened, and Laoag staff must be happy as their data were reported. Of course, I knew nothing about Laoag itself.
This time, we are conducting our observations at Laoag, and this synop station is our base. Can you imagine how I felt? If yes, you must be a boy who draws your own weather chart.

Dear Mam Cynthia, Chief Meteorological Officer, and her able staff, we deeply appreciate your help for our observations as well as generous hospitality shown to us.
Observations will continue. Please take care of yourself as much as possible and have good days.   (ky)

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

We have kept routine work with daytime intercomaprison in addition to 6-hourly soundings. According to the report by PAGASA radar engineer, their mobile radar was set well and could monitor rain area over the SCS. Radar continuous observation will start from tomorrow for one month. NICAM forecast also says we may have a chance of heavy rain in the coming days over the coast or ocean. Thus, we have no heavy cloud and no rain over our site. That is why we continue the intercomparison work day after day. (ky)

Monday, July 30, 2018

PAGASA’ｓ mobile X-band multi-parameter radar equipped on a car has arrived at PAGASA Laoag station this morning. Then, they moved to the top of smal hill, where Paoay lake is located on the foot. Its operation will be conducted from August 1 through one month. Currently, PAGASA’s staff are setting up and will conduct calibration tomorrow. (ky)

Saturday, July 28, 2018

The University of the Philippines Prof. Cabrera and her 7 students have visited the PAGASA Laoag Station after a long overnight drive from Quezon. While they learn about observation, some students may pursue to develop correction scheme of radiosonde data for a master thesis. After they listened to a lecture telling overview of the campaign as well as intercomparison experiment, they joined to make a rigging frame for simultaneous launch of three radiosondes. PAGASA Laoag station has been occupied with their young and cheerful energy.  (ky)

Friday, July 27, 2018

Our first trial of radiosonde intercomparison was successfully conducted with the strong help from PAGASA Laoag station.

After we set up in the morning, we started the preparation to make a special triangle frame to settle three transmitters. Then, as scheduled we could launch a balloon with three radiosondes at 16:36 LST.

We will continue this work until August 3rd. (ky)

Thursday, July 26, 2018

At last, we’ve arrived at Laoag, where is one of key YMC IOP stations.

Three JAMSTEC and one NME guys are fine, and have started to set up instruments for intercomparison of radiosondes as well as GNSS-derived water vapor measurement. Due to delayed arrival, we could not finish to set up today. Thus, from tomorrow morning, we will resume the work and hopefully conduct the first simultaneous launch in the afternoon.

More details will follow. Stay tuned.  (ky)