Newspaper: Weather data collection to be affected by automation, layoffs
The Estonian Environment Agency (EEIC) has decided to replace manpower with machines for weather observation, leaving over ten people without jobs. The switch will also mean, however, that some weather data will no longer be collected.
This year, three weather stations in Estonia became fully automated and, in connection with the change, 11 meteorological station employees have received notices of dismissal, reported daily Postimees (link in Estonian).
"Automated stations are being adopted all over the world in order to increase the temporal and spatial scope of measurements," said EEIC spokesperson Valdo Jahilo.
Fully automated stations will no longer record frost thickness or cloud type observations. Ground-level and soil temperature readings and snow water measurements will be automated before winter and cameras will be installed at observation fields with which weather situations can be clarified.
There are a total of 26 weather stations across Estonia, of which Tallinn-Harku, Tartu-Tõravere and Vilsandi are manned.
Editor: Aili Vahtla