PNGNWS

Papua New National Weather Service (PNGNWS) is a government agency responsible for observing atmospheric and oceanic (limited to a depth of ~60m) states over Papua New Guinea as well as monitoring atmospheric and oceanic conditions beyond PNG’s boundaries.

PNGNWS operates under a dual framework of authority:

1. International obligations arising from Papua New Guinea’s membership in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO); and
2. National legal authority granted by the Government of Papua New Guinea through domestic legislation.

These two frameworks are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.

1. International Mandate: WMO Framework

Papua New Guinea became a Member of the WMO in 1976. By joining WMO, PNG acceded to the Convention of the World Meteorological Organization. Under this Convention, Member States agree to:

• Participate in global meteorological observing systems
• Exchange meteorological, hydrological, and climate data internationally
• Apply standardized technical regulations
• Contribute to aviation meteorology, marine meteorology, and public weather services
• Promote research, training, and capacity building

WMO does not directly “create” PNGNWS. Instead, it recognizes one official National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS) per Member State. Hence, for Papua New Guinea, that recognized NMHS is PNG National Weather Service.

2. National Mandate: PNG Government Legal Authority

Domestically, PNGNWS derives its authority from the Civil Aviation Act 2000 (as amended 2010 & 2016).  Under this Act, the Government of Papua New Guinea mandates PNGNWS to:

• Operate the National Weather Service
• Provide meteorological services for aviation
• Issue official weather forecasts and warnings
• Maintain meteorological observing systems
• Collect and archive meteorological data
• Represent PNG in WMO and implement WMO obligations

This establishes PNGNWS as the official government meteorological authority.