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Weather Forecasts Are at Risk From Coronavirus Lockdowns

  • Covid-19 could affect weather-station maintenance, WMO Says
  • Data streams are critical for agriculture and gas markets
A slide shows global temperature anomalies during a presentation of data by the World Meteorological Association at the UNFCCC COP25 climate conference

A slide shows global temperature anomalies during a presentation of data by the World Meteorological Association at the UNFCCC COP25 climate conference

Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images

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The coronavirus pandemic has brought global commerce to a near standstill. Now it’s threatening to obscure the ability to even make forecasts based on weather data.

The World Meteorological Organization said it’s concerned about the virus’ impact on the quality and quantity of weather observations and forecasts. Maintenance on satellite systems and weather stations could be affected if lockdowns continue in the coming weeks.