SAWS uses the same data as international sites

[tanglefoot]

In their own words.

SAWS "use the same data as int'l sites" . The only advantage that they offer is that they drill "down to a 2km grid for SA"

Isn't that a little bit like looking at a single pixel on your computer monitor and trying to work out what is happening on the screen

SAWS.jpg

Sorry FAPE, I feel slightly embarrassed for you. They know not what they do.

If you pay for your access to SAWS then at 100kts you can get a weather update every 40 seconds

[tanglefoot]

WSA.jpg

Not even the international sites that use the same data

Must say, nice to see that with a bit of thought SAWS can put a more positive spin on their propaganda

[wynand]

TF, those messages at the top of the pay site are a bit naive, to say the least.
Authored by WIS, they are an embarassment to SAWS. Can't they see it?

SAWS actually uses superior data to WIndguru and Accuweather, but certainly NOT down to a 2km grid. Must be a typo. I have it from a senior forecaster that is is 12km. They aim to achieve 4km later in 2012.

The site has become a hysterical collection of false claims, adverts calling out bogus alerts and real alerts that turn out to be false.
The alert that a large storm is in progress urges us to see the live animated map or animated radar, but those maps then show nothing of the kind.

The one about Mozambique is silly, because the map you are referred to does not show Eastern Mozambique.

new-2.jpg

16 Feb 2012 another false alert.JPG

warning moz.jpg

[Pavlov]

Ok, so what am I missing?

We have a parastatal that provides information critical to flight safety, claiming to use scientists to analyse this data, but resorts to false and misleading propaganda to sell itself.

Methinks SAWS has a massive credibility crises.

They will disagree off course.

[FAPE]

Tanglefoot wrote:

Sorry FAPE, I feel slightly embarrassed for you. They know not what they do.

I don't feel embarrased at all - I will let my own work determine my reputation. To that end I have my own sources of inspiration within the company's team of forecasters, scientists and support personell.

[tanglefoot]

Tanglefoot wrote:

Sorry FAPE, I feel slightly embarrassed for you. They know not what they do.


I don't feel embarrased at all - I will let my own work determine my reputation. To that end I have my own sources of inspiration within the company's team of forecasters, scientists and support personell.

Deon, your reputation is unquestioned and I have experienced your skill as a weather forecaster first hand. I am just highlighting the total mismanagement of the public owned enterprise that you work for. Actually, that is wrong. It is not being mismanaged, it is being managed into oblivion by selfish private interests.

[Pavlov]

Like tanglefoot, I have always had the highest regard for the forecasters who assisted me through the years. They are scientists of the highest calibre. It is Senior Management I am concerned about.

[russellw]

So does SAWS have over 2400 weather stations? I heard somewhere that they only update every 2 hours?

[wynand]

Russell.

Every one of those statements are disingenious. Some, at multiple levels.
They come from WIS, the purveyor of SAWS products on the web.

I cannot understand why SAWS puts up with their nonsense?

I cannot understand why the public puts up with it??

[tanglefoot]

......I cannot understand why the public puts up with it??

It is because the public are not affected.

No one uses the weathersa website and if they do they are unable to comprehend the complex meaningless information presented. All they want to see is a little sun, a cloud or a picture depicting rain. They can get that on TV.

An audit (by reputable auditors: even THOSE are hard to find. Any company that is involved in "management consulting" has dubious credentials, in my view) would shed light on the income earned by WIS on behalf of Weathersa. Another audit may show the cost of WIS to the public coffers.

They provide "free" personalised weather to the following suburbs in Johannesburg, some of which are indistinguishable from each other, even to other Joburg residents Sorry, I missed Soweto and Springs, only because it is extremely difficult to copy and past ANYTHING from the website.

JHB (Alberton): johannesburg (Alb, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (Benoni): johannesburg (Ben, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (CBD): johannesburg (CBD, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (CBD): johannesburg, Johannesburg Metro, Gauteng
JHB (Germiston): johannesburg (Ger, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (KemptonP): johannesburg (Kem, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (Krugersdorp): johannesburg (Kru, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (Kyalami): johannesburg (Kya, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (Lenasia): johannesburg (Len, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (Midrand): johannesburg (Mid, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (Randburg): johannesburg (Ran, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (Randburg): johannesburg Nort, Johannesburg Metro, Gauteng
JHB (Randfontein): johannesburg (Ran, Randfontein, Gauteng
JHB (Randfontein): johannesburg (Ran, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (Region): johannesburg (Reg, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (Roodepoort): johannesburg (Roo, Johannesburg, Gauteng
JHB (SandtonCBD): johannesburg (San, Johannesburg, Gauteng

How can a government department hand over control to a commercial entity so completely, totally without any oversight Well, only if it is run by a bunch of incompetents..........

[Dodger67]

...the company's...

There is the core of the problem.
Public assets resources and services, built up over many years with money from the taxpayer (that's you!), has sold out to a profit driven entity.

If you really want to know what's going on with the weather in and around SA (as well as major events in the rest of the world) take a look at - http://sawdis1.blogspot.com/ and the associated Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/groups/374316165928426/
This group has been tracking a bunch of cyclones in the South Indian Ocean for days before the SAWS even officially anounced that they exist!

[tanglefoot]

This is NOT the SAWS Mission Statement AND Vision. Does SAWS have a Mission Statement OR Vision

http://www.aviationweather.gov/
Aviation Weather Center Mission Statement:
The Aviation Weather Center delivers consistent, timely and accurate weather information for the world airspace system. We are a team of highly skilled people dedicated to working with customers and partners to enhance safe and efficient flight.

Our Vision:
To be the trusted authority and leading innovator for aviation weather information.

[dilligaf]

Russell.

Every one of those statements are disingenious. Some, at multiple levels.
They come from WIS, the purveyor of SAWS products on the web.

I cannot understand why SAWS puts up with their nonsense?

I cannot understand why the public puts up with it??

That's what happens when you let a bunch of management consultants "commercialise" your service.

[tanglefoot]

I needed average weather information for the Henley on Klip (Vereeniging) area for August. There are numerous international sites that offer very consistent information. (Yes, for Vereeniging, South Africa )

If I was paying a consultant to represent my company on the internet and I could find my information available on international sites but not on my own site I would fire them. But then (in this case) I am not paying, YOU are Suckers....

weathersa Weather who