The KNMI is responsible for essential public tasks like preparing general weather reports, issuing warnings for extreme weather, and providing aviation meteorological services. These tasks are defined in the Meteorology and Seismology Tasks Act (Wtms), which is detailed in the Meteorology and Seismology Task Regulations (Rtms). The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is now planning a change to this regulation.
Why a change?
This modification includes updated guidelines for the general weather report. It also establishes rules for weather warnings and collaboration between the KNMI and entities like water boards and safety regions. An evaluation of the law indicates improvements are needed. This is essential for public safety, as it enhances information flow to water boards, safety regions, and citizens during extreme weather and emergencies. This is crucial because climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events.
What is the goal?
The aim is to enhance public safety by improving the regulations (Rtms) based on actual practice. This ensures that citizens, water boards, and safety regions receive better information.
- Enhancing KNMI weather warnings for the general public, allowing for earlier and localized alerts while considering societal impact.
- Refining the general weather report. For example, making forecast radar images available on the KNMI app and website.
- Allowing the KNMI to alert authorities directly when extreme weather is expected, in addition to offering support to water boards to prepare for extreme weather outside emergencies.
What are the impacts?
This policy change means that the public, safety regions, and water boards receive information from the KNMI more quickly and accurately, helping them prepare for extreme weather and climate change. When issuing weather warnings, the potential impact can also be assessed. This may alter the relationship between the market and the government, especially if the KNMI makes forecast radar images available to everyone. Furthermore, water boards could be informed by the KNMI under all circumstances. The rationale is that the gains in public safety are prioritized over the potential changes in market-government relations.