Our History | Our Milestone
The Kiribati Meteorological Service (KMS) is a division under the Office of Te Beretitenti (President) mandated to provide timely, actionable, accessible, and user-oriented weather, climate and ocean services to all I-Kiribati, visitors to Kiribati and all stakeholders
Vision: A sustainable, efficient and inclusive Meteorological Service that support decisions to build resilience, save lives, bring economic wealth, and support sustainable development for all I-Kiribati.
Our Journey Through the Years
The development of meteorological services in Kiribati
🌦️ Early Meteorological Observations
Systematic weather observations were undertaken across the islands during the colonial period. Meteorological stations recorded rainfall, temperature, wind, atmospheric pressure and cloud conditions, helping establish the long-term climate record of Kiribati.
Kiribati Independence
Kiribati gained independence, beginning a new chapter in the development of nationally administered government institutions and services. Meteorological capacity continued to develop as part of this transition.
🌤️ A National Meteorological Service
A major milestone was reached when the Kiribati Meteorological Service was localized to the Government of Kiribati from the New Zealand Meteorological Service. This marked an important stage in the development of today's nationally managed Kiribati Meteorological Service.
📡 Modernisation & Capacity Building
KMS continued strengthening its observation network, technical capabilities and workforce. Regional and international partnerships helped expand the Service beyond traditional weather observations into broader meteorological and climate services.
🌊 Weather, Climate & Ocean Services
KMS expanded its services to support a growing national need for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, seasonal outlooks, drought information, aviation meteorology, ocean and sea-level information, tide prediction and early-warning services.
🛰️ Stronger Observations & Early Warning
Modern observing systems, automatic weather stations, satellite information, international data exchange and improved forecasting tools continue to strengthen KMS's ability to monitor weather and climate conditions across Kiribati's widely dispersed islands.
Protecting Kiribati Through Weather, Climate & Ocean Information
Today, the Kiribati Meteorological Service provides essential weather, climate and ocean information to communities, government agencies, aviation, maritime services and other sectors throughout Kiribati.
As our islands face the increasing challenges of climate variability, drought, extreme weather, coastal hazards and sea-level rise, KMS continues strengthening its science, observing systems, partnerships and early-warning capabilities.
