EUMETSAT Completed African Satellite Network
The installation of 56 new reception stations aims to improve weather forecasting across the African continent.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Current Conditions
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EUMETSAT has finished deploying 56 satellite reception stations across Africa to distribute high-resolution Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) data. The initiative seeks to bolster weather forecasting capabilities in areas that lack dense ground-based observation infrastructure.
Why it matters
The network provides forecasters with detailed, real-time data to detect severe storms and fast-changing weather patterns. This information is vital for regions where sparse ground-based stations limit the accuracy of traditional meteorological monitoring.
The new MTG satellite system generates updated weather imagery every 10 minutes, a significant improvement over the 15-minute frequency of older systems. The network consists of 56 operational reception stations deployed across the African continent.
The players
EUMETSAT
This is an intergovernmental organization that supplies weather and climate-related satellite data, imagery, and products.
Eswatini Meteorological Service
This is the national agency responsible for monitoring atmospheric conditions and weather patterns within the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The details
The stations receive and distribute data through the EUMETCast Africa service as part of the EU-funded ClimSA programme. The system also includes advanced lightning observation capabilities, providing critical data as the region prepares for a potentially strong El Niño event.
Timeline
The first PUMA-2025 station was installed in 2024.
A five-day user forum was held in Eswatini in October 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
The project follows the long-term capacity-building objectives established by the EU-funded ClimSA programme. It marks a departure from traditional reliance on ground-based observation by shifting toward a space-based detection model for severe weather across the continent.
Meteorological agencies across the continent will now have access to 10-minute interval data to improve severe weather alerts for their local communities. Residents should stay tuned to local weather reports as forecasters utilize this new lightning observation data to track storm development.
The takeaway
Access to high-frequency satellite imagery provides a vital technological bridge for regions lacking extensive physical weather stations. This data integration is expected to enhance preparedness for climate-related events such as El Niño.
Further reading
For more information on global climate tracking, visit Current Conditions.
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Do you believe better access to satellite weather data improves disaster preparedness in your area?
