The China Meteorological Administration has launched an official Chinese-language global city weather forecast website.

It offers access to the latest official forecasts for the world's cities issued by the National Meteorological Services.

It is operated by the China Meteorological Administration under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organisation. It is the Chinese version of the English-language World Weather Information Service website run by the HK Observatory since 2002.

Observatory Director Lam Chiu-ying said counterparts in both Hong Kong and the Mainland have been in close contact during the development of the Chinese website.

"The launch reflects the close co-operation between us in working towards the goal of providing quality services to a wider audience. It is an excellent example of how exchange of technology can benefit the international community," he said.

The new service will enable more than a billion Chinese-speaking people obtain official and accurate weather information conveniently.

The launch ceremony for the website was held today in Beijing. Officiating was China Meteorological Administration Administrator Qin Da.

The site to see for weather data in Chinese

The new website will provide the international community and the media concise, accurate and up-to-date weather information in Chinese.

It offers authoritative and reliable data to all Internet users, who are often bewildered by the diversity of information presented by a wide array of service providers not related to the meteorological community.

All weather information is provided by the respective National Meteorological Services, which collectively operate the official worldwide weather-observing network with proper forecasting procedures co-ordinated by the World Meteorological Organisation.

Forecasts for 858 cities of 90 members are regularly updated, while climatological data is given for 1,002 cities of 153 members.

Users can also follow the links to visit the websites of the National Meteorological Services to search for further information.

Click the 'Chinese version' icon on the HK Observatory's World Weather Inofrmation Service website to view the contents.