The Cayman Islands National Weather Service is set for significant improvements over the next two years.
Premier André Ebanks on 17 Nov. outlined a package of new investments during finance committee deliberations on the 2026–27 government budget.
In addition to the $2.9 million operational allocation for each of the next two years, the premier confirmed $1.4 million in capital expenditure to complete and fit out the National Weather Service’s new headquarters, which will be located off Agnes Way in George Town.
The facility, expected to be ready before June 2026, will offer safer and more modern working conditions and allow for higher quality observations and aviation warnings. It will also remove the longstanding safety concern of housing hydrogen tanks and backup generators inside the general aviation terminal.
A further $200,000 has been earmarked for a centralised data integration platform, which will pull together weather sensors into a single strategic database accessible to key agencies.
Other enhancements include:
- Installation of four new automatic weather observing stations to be located in West Bay, Frank Sound, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
- Creation of a network of storm-surge sensors as part of the national early-warning system
- A strategic partnership with the UK Met Office to assess operations
- A vastly improved weather service website, with the premier publicly challenging the team to deliver a mobile app offering real-time information and radar imagery
Ebanks also confirmed that refurbishment of the Kearney Gomez Doppler Weather Radar has begun. The radar, now at the end of its lifespan, is being modernised by Leonardo, a German company and the original manufacturer, under a $622,000 contract. It will be offline for roughly six weeks while the work is completed.
The premier praised the Cabinet Office for maintaining two full years of uninterrupted radar operations aside from scheduled maintenance and noted the system’s critical role during the active 2025 hurricane season.
“We are wise to invest in our weather service,” Ebanks said, “because better forecasting saves lives and protects property.”
During finance committee, leader of the opposition, Joey Hew also commended Chief Meteorologist Kerry Powery, highlighting his steady leadership and accurate briefings during National Hazard Management Executive meetings as Hurricane Melissa entered the Caribbean Sea in October.
The budgetary allocations were approved unanimously.
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