Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and China plan to expand cooperation in hydrometeorology, digital forecasting and early warning systems for hazardous natural phenomena.
The issues were discussed at the Second China–Central Asia Meteorological Cooperation Forum, held in Urumqi on 21–23 September.
The forum was attended by Farrukh Sattarov, Director of the National Climate Change Centre under the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, Doniyor Turgunov, Director of the Hydrometeorological Research Institute, as well as representatives of hydrometeorological services from Central Asian countries and China, the World Meteorological Organization, research institutions and universities.
Participants focused on developing regional cooperation in hydrometeorology, modernizing observation and early warning systems, exchanging data, and applying artificial intelligence and satellite information technologies.
A separate part of the discussions focused on improving the accuracy of forecasts for extreme weather events, including sand and dust storms, droughts, extreme heat, heavy precipitation and floods.
AI for early warning systems
As part of the Central Asian Meteorological Symposium, the Uzbek side presented priority areas for cooperation with China and other countries in the region for 2026–2027.
One of the key areas was the introduction of modern digital solutions for the rapid forecasting of hazardous weather events.
In particular, the sides discussed the possibility of localizing and adapting China’s MAZU system in Uzbekistan. The intelligent platform uses artificial intelligence technologies, satellite data and other meteorological sources to forecast hazardous weather events and generate early warnings.
The Chinese side presented a plan to introduce MAZU in Central Asian countries in 2026–2027.
Uzbekistan is considering adapting the platform to national conditions and the needs of hydrometeorological monitoring. Particular attention is expected to be given to forecasting sand and dust storms, droughts, extreme heat, heavy precipitation and floods.
Following the talks, the sides agreed to continue cooperation between specialists from the two countries on the technical adaptation and integration of modern early warning systems.
As part of this work, the necessary technical solutions are planned to be assessed, including server infrastructure, data exchange and integration of new tools with the national hydrometeorological system.
Cooperation in agrometeorology
The development of agrometeorology will be another area of cooperation. The sides plan to explore the use of Chinese experience in monitoring crop conditions, assessing drought and heat stress, planning irrigation and providing early warnings of adverse weather conditions.
The use of modern methods for analyzing meteorological and satellite data could contribute to more efficient management of agricultural resources and timely decision-making amid climate risks.
Joint research in desert meteorology
The forum also placed particular emphasis on scientific cooperation in desert meteorology, sand and dust storms, climate modeling and natural hazard forecasting.
As part of the event, a working meeting was held with the leadership of the Institute of Desert Meteorology of the China Meteorological Administration. Following the meeting, the sides agreed to consider the preparation and implementation of joint research projects.
A promising area is the exchange of scientific knowledge and technologies on processes that influence the formation of sand and dust storms, which are a current concern for Central Asia.
Modern monitoring equipment
Another area of cooperation involves China-based ZOGLAB, a company specializing in equipment for meteorological observations, environmental monitoring and calibration of measuring instruments.
The Chinese side proposed providing Uzbekistan with a sample of monitoring equipment for testing and considering options for equipping the national calibration base with modern measurement tools, including a mobile calibration laboratory.
The development of modern observation infrastructure, digital forecasting tools and early warning systems is expected to improve the quality of hydrometeorological information and expand Uzbekistan’s capacity to respond promptly to hazardous natural phenomena and climate risks.
Uzbekistan-China cooperation in this area is aimed at developing modern technologies, exchanging experience and data, strengthening scientific and technical capacity, and increasing the resilience of Central Asian countries to the effects of climate change.
