The Hong Kong Observatory has commended voluntary weather observers for their meteorological contributions over the decades.

Celebrating 60 years of voluntary observations at a ceremony today, observatory director Dr Lee Boon-ying hailed Hong Kong's voluntary observers, who, despite their busy schedules, use their valuable spare time to make weather observations and contribute to the well-being of society.

The observatory began recruiting voluntary weather-observing ships to report weather conditions at sea in 1949. Observational data is vital to weather analysis and forecasting.

Observation of rainfall is also important. Until the early 1970s, before the establishment of automatic rainfall stations, there were 120 outstations operated by voluntary observers.